In his essay The Phenomenon of Life, Christopher Alexander explores the fundamental features that give things, particularly man-made objects and structures, life. This exhibition acts as a manifestation of the fifteen fundamentals, represented minimally through sculptural forms with complementary graphics. Each object and graphic is unique and tailored towards the visual and formal qualities that Alexander highlights.
Located inside the Chace gallery at the RISD
Museum, the exhibition adheres to the typical
circulation pattern of the gallery with one (interior) entrance and exit. Visitors are guided by the large graphics and clearance space to experience the
exhibition in order of ascending numbers, but the
layout is open enough to allow wandering.
The materials of the exhibition further embody Alexander’s concept of finding life in man-made structure. Black metal, finished wood, and polished stone (occasionally in contrast with rough stone) deliver a neutral color palette to keep the emphasis on form while driving the main point home.
