Circles of Universal Language: a conversation with Ralf Gloudemans

For this article, we speak to Ralf Gloudemans about his ‘Clambering’ project, a digital rock formation that is designed to serve as both a shelter and a play area, encouraging people of all ages to climb, explore and meet each other.

“Creating a sculpture that feels approachable and climbable evokes a strangely familiar urge to play.”

Ralf Gloudemans

Studio Ralf Gloudemans specialises in mixed reality design, blending physical and digital craftsmanship. He sculpts objects that explore the infinite possibilities of the digital realm, allowing it to inspire physical creations. 

In your view, how do play and exploration act as a universal language? Additionally, what role do you think urban rock climbing plays in bringing people together?

It’s in our nature to discover, explore and most of all play. As kids, we learn through play and if we try hard enough, we don’t need to lose this ability in adulthood. Creating a sculpture that feels approachable and climbable evokes a strangely familiar urge to play. By allowing encounters to happen naturally, there is enough space for people to come together at their own pace, which I hope will bring meaningful encounters.

Was there a specific moment or experience during your journey that particularly impacted your approach or perspective?

In the design process, it’s always a challenge to avoid getting lost in concepts, form language, or research without making meaningful progress. I find that outside perspectives and feedback on my work are invaluable, and I believe it’s always wise to seek them out. As a designer who primarily works alone in my studio under my name, it can be challenging to obtain this perspective during the creative process. 

The meetings organised by Dutch Invertuals provided an opportunity to get outside perspectives and feedback from others on my process, concepts, ideas and execution. It brought me to question my work deeper and gave me a deeper understanding of what I was really trying to say and make. Which in turn brought new insights and alterations to improve my work.

Could you elaborate on your ‘Clambering’ installation and the ways you intend to create meaningful encounters through it in Eindhoven?

The ‘Clambering’ installation is intended to create a space for play and exploration. It mimics a natural rock formation without necessarily trying to define what it is and how it should be used or approached. It’s open for interpretation and imagination, making way for moving and playing around. Furthermore, it’s open to a wide variety of people, all with their interests and backgrounds, an installation designed for climbing or hiding, encouraging spontaneous and surprising encounters. I believe these exploratory interactions can ultimately lead to positive connections in the city of Eindhoven.

Could you share more about your design process and the choices that shaped your work?

“I sculpt my work hands-on through virtual reality sculpting, and bring them to the physical world using computer-controlled production processes.”

Ralf Gloudemans

My way of designing and making starts in the virtual realm. I combine the artistry of physical and digital crafts and tools. I sculpt my work hands-on through virtual reality sculpting and bring it to the physical world using computer-controlled production processes. For ‘Clambering’, I 3D printed using a special bronze filament, resulting in outcomes that blur the line between digital and physical worlds—creating physical-based outcomes with a digital soul.

Location

Strijp-S area
Ketelhuisplein
Map No. B4

Open

Sat 19 Oct 11:00 – 18:00

Sun 20 Oct 11:00 – 18:00

Mon 21 Oct 11:00 – 18:00

Tue 22 Oct 11:00 – 18:00

Wed 23 Oct 11:00 – 18:00

Thu 24 Oct 11:00 – 18:00

Fri 25 Oct 11:00 – 18:00

Sat 26 Oct 11:00 – 18:00

Sun 27 Oct 11:00 – 18:00

Access Free