framework f5x5x5
2007
10 x 2 x 1m
Manuel Abendroth, Jérôme Decock, Els Vermang
![kinetic light installation framework f5x5x5 by LAb[au] at Le Centquatre, Paris](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/fb1d51_d49586c2653343d98b10020a75e8eb66~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_450,al_c,q_85,enc_avif,quality_auto/Image-empty-state.jpg)
![Black and white rotating frames of framework f5x5x3 by LAb[au] inside the Aubette’s geometric, coloured interior in Strasbourg.](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/fb1d51_28606e933fe545918fcc12c22fd5fb6c~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_480,h_400,q_90,enc_avif,quality_auto/fb1d51_28606e933fe545918fcc12c22fd5fb6c~mv2.jpg)
abstract
The installation translates digital logic into a spatial language of movement, light and sound. Its nested frames form a kinetic screen and architectural element whose changing geometries emerge from programmed, generative and composed rules.
dimensions
Five aluminium modules, each 2 × 2 m, with a 5 × 5 grid.
material
Aluminium, 500 m of LED strips, custom hardware and software, 250 servomotors
![Red and white illuminated frames of framework f5x5x5 by LAb[au] beneath the stained-glass windows of the Basilique de Saint-Denis.](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/fb1d51_58efa7474e264638b5c1eb3416aba814~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_480,h_399,q_90,enc_avif,quality_auto/fb1d51_58efa7474e264638b5c1eb3416aba814~mv2.jpg)
![Oblique view of framework f5x5x5 by LAb[au], its illuminated grid extending through the dark church interior at Kunst-Station Sankt Peter, Cologne.](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/fb1d51_1b08166c3182432a9bc472fc7c3205b3~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_480,h_399,q_90,enc_avif,quality_auto/fb1d51_1b08166c3182432a9bc472fc7c3205b3~mv2.jpg)
![Visitors beside the white illuminated frames of framework f5x5x5 by LAb[au] at Kunst-Station Sankt Peter, Cologne.](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/fb1d51_1714ef38cb5c4a1caa02c2065dfefcec~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_480,h_399,q_90,enc_avif,quality_auto/fb1d51_1714ef38cb5c4a1caa02c2065dfefcec~mv2.jpg)
![White illuminated edges form a geometric pattern across framework f5x5x5 by LAb[au], reflected on the floor at Kunst-Station Sankt Peter, Cologne.](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/fb1d51_6bfe40e28ca7492c95cb71fb90902a60~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_480,h_399,q_90,enc_avif,quality_auto/fb1d51_6bfe40e28ca7492c95cb71fb90902a60~mv2.jpg)
![Red light outlines the rotating frames of framework f5x5x5 by LAb[au], casting reflections across the floor at Kunst-Station Sankt Peter, Cologne.](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/fb1d51_2a95fb547d434053aafb550d2bf34c2e~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_480,h_399,q_90,enc_avif,quality_auto/fb1d51_2a95fb547d434053aafb550d2bf34c2e~mv2.jpg)
![Elevated diagonal view of framework f5x5x5 by LAb[au], showing its repeated square grid illuminated in red at Kunst-Station Sankt Peter, Cologne.](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/fb1d51_4411bb2e739e4410bb9b3c2cc23581d5~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_480,h_399,q_90,enc_avif,quality_auto/fb1d51_4411bb2e739e4410bb9b3c2cc23581d5~mv2.jpg)
![Elevated view of framework f5x5x5 by LAb[au], showing nested frames at different angles with white illuminated edges at Kunst-Station Sankt Peter, Cologne.](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/fb1d51_ced939534db741eb932564879c767c3a~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_480,h_399,q_90,enc_avif,quality_auto/fb1d51_ced939534db741eb932564879c767c3a~mv2.jpg)
![Close-up of framework’s first module by LAb[au], showing nested black and white rotating frames with red and white illuminated edges.](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/fb1d51_13d14d55535048ab8157737f4674a0bf~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_480,h_399,q_90,enc_avif,quality_auto/fb1d51_13d14d55535048ab8157737f4674a0bf~mv2.jpg)
project text
framework f5x5x5 is a kinetic light installation exploring how computation and binary logic become a spatial and sensory experience. Five modules, each organised as a grid of five by five elements, form a structure ten metres long. Within each element, two nested frames rotate around perpendicular axes, creating changing degrees of openness, transparency and reflection.
Black and white surfaces translate binary logic into physical states. Illuminated edges extend this vocabulary through light, while the motors make movement audible. The structure operates as a low-resolution display and a generative sculpture. Infrared sensors register visitors’ presence, translating their spatial relationships into kinetic and luminous patterns.
The title refers both to the physical framework and to the software organising its behaviour. Programmed rules determine individual movements as well as the transitions between operating modes, balancing autonomous processes with responses to the surroundings. Visitors become part of this system through an interplay of presence and observation.
Developed between 2007 and 2009, framework brings the principles of kinetic art into dialogue with digital computation. At the intersection of sculpture and architecture, it makes the relationships between code, matter, perception and space tangible.
history
2007: The first of the installation’s five modules is realised.
21.11.2007–02.02.2008: prototype — Collection d’architecture
Centre Wallonie Bruxelles, Paris, France,
06.12.2007–06.02.2008: f5x5x1 — Superflux, solo exhibition
Galerie Roger Tator, Lyon, France.
10.04.2008–16.07.2008: f5x5x3 — Cybernetics & Nicolas Schöffer
group exhibition, MediaRuimte, Brussels, Belgium.
18.04.2008–30.04.2008: f5x5x1 — Holy Fire. Art of the Digital Age
group exhibition, iMAL, Brussels, Belgium.
17.09.2008–21.09.2008: f5x5x3 — Scopitone Festival
La Friche Numérique, Nantes, France.
26.09.2008–28.09.2008: f5x5x3 — TodaysArt Festival
City Hall Atrium, The Hague, the Netherlands.
18.12.2008–15.02.2009: f5x5x3 — framework, solo exhibition
Tschumi Pavilion, Groningen, the Netherlands.
02.02.2009–08.02.2009: f5x5x1 — Aubenas Festival
La Belgique, Médiathèque, Aubenas, France.
25.06.2009–13.09.2009: f5x5x4 — Young Belgian Painters Award
group exhibition, Bozar, Brussels, Belgium.
2009: The fifth module is realised, completing the installation
03.10.2009–08.10.2009: f5x5x5 — Nuit Blanche
Basilique de Saint-Denis, Saint-Denis, France
08.01.2010–12.02.2010: f5x5x5 — m0t1v, solo exhibition
Kunst-Station Sankt Peter, Cologne, Germany.
08.04.2010–11.04.2010: f5x5x5 — Némo Festival
Le CENTQUATRE-PARIS, Paris, France.
02.06.2010–11.07.2010: f5x5x5 — From Kinetic to Digital Art, group exhibition
Fondation Vasarely, Aix-en-Provence, France
02.09.2010–11.09.2010: f5x5x5 — CyberArts, group exhibition
Tabakfabrik, Linz, Austria;
Honorary Mention in the Interactive Art category, Prix Ars Electronica.
17.09.2010–26.09.2010: f5x5x5 — Digital Nights Singapore
Singapore Art Museum, Singapore.
02.12.2010–15.01.2011: f5x5x5 — inFORM, group exhibition
Galerie Kunst Zicht, Ghent, Belgium.
11.02.2011–20.02.2011: f5x5x3 — Aubette | LAb[au], solo exhibition
within the Ososphère programme, Aubette, Strasbourg, France.
17.05.2011–20.05.2011: f5x5x3 — ]interstice[ Festival
Église du Vieux Saint-Sauveur, Caen, France.
14.03.2013–24.03.2013: f5x5x5 — VIA Festival
Gare Numérique de Jeumont, Jeumont, France.
09.11.2013–16.11.2013: f5x5x5 — GLOW Festival – Next Generation
Strijp-S, Eindhoven, the Netherlands.