a.t. practice


is a *queer european working compound of cédric alfonsi and niklas thelen. this work focuses on the creation of spatial, social and contemporaneous concepts that derive from the fields of arts, architecture and design.
the expressed visual ideals and so far perspective is thereby highly shaped by non-conformative rules and stereotypes of the architectural Profession.


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Salt to Salt. As an overly visited place, Uyuni Desert is losing its capacity to give a personalised experience to its visitor. Its exposure on social media creates a pre-manufactured experience that tourists expect to check. By being temporary, the project redefines the relationship between the site and its visitors: 6 sculptures created from the desert and destined to fade away question the act of traveling and open a discussion about the salt desert on an emotional and physical level.

1: a bus stop / entry and base camp: its long wall creates excitement and hides the arrangement of sculptures that the visitor is about to experience. it provides a sheltering roof, sanitary facility and a place to sit and communicate.
2: shape / an elevated viewpoint stresses the omnipresent line of the horizon. the sculpture itself puts a strong contrast to the planar surface of the salt desert. its steel made ladder will last.
3: context / a filled basin reflects the deserts surroundings. sky, mountains and 
the spectator reflected in this natural mirror contextualize the salt flat. a steel bridge will last.
4: density / walls divide the individual so one can 
experience the emptiness of the desert. the overall nothingness, 
horizon and sky will give clarity to its visitors. steel seats on will last. 
5: sequence / a ramp leading underneath the surface of the desert will expose all the 
layers of its previous seasons. time seems irrelevant in the eternal salt. the steel step will be buried and last. 
6: composition / a steel sheet is placed in a way that prevents the salt texture to be formed after the rain season. when removed an interruption is created in the pattern, to draw the focus on it. the steel square will last.