"Sonic" functions as an architectural periscope at Dansekapellet, Copenhagen's dance and performance center. Coated stainless steel mirrors mount on the brick courtyard wall at calculated angles. The periscopic arrangement reflects courtyard activities-dance rehearsals, performances-to viewers outside the building. The system operates bidirectionally: exterior viewers see interior events; interior occupants gain reflected views of surroundings. Time-controlled lighting adapts to daily cycles, enhancing visibility during low-light conditions. The installation bridges interior and exterior through precisely calculated mirror positions. The mirrors orient according to the courtyard geometry, creating precise sight lines between interior and exterior spaces. Part of Denmark's "Art in Architecture" program, the installation makes the dance school's activities visible to the urban context.
Research: The periscopic system connects specific viewpoints across the courtyard wall-each mirror angle calculated to link exterior street positions with interior performance spaces. Rather than uniform angles, each mirror requires unique orientation based on its position and the sight lines it must establish. The design process mapped critical viewpoints: where pedestrians pause outside, where performances occur inside. Computational modeling determined mirror positions and orientations to create these visual connections while considering sun reflection paths and potential glare for passing vehicles. The courtyard's geometry informed mirror placement along the wall's curve. Time-controlled lighting enhances visibility during performances, compensating for seasonal darkness. The mounting system respects the historic brick facade, distributing loads without compromising the wall structure.
Photography: Thilo Frank
