The Tate Modern extension by Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron is one of the most hotly anticipated architecture projects in London - the Olympic Park aside. Even though the project probably won't see its full completion until 2016, phase one has just finished, with the striking underground Tate Tanks opening to the public this week, dedicated to live art, performance, installation and film.
'Today we are opening the next phase in the evolution of the Tate', director Nicholas Serota announced at the launch. He highlighted the project's 'scale, ambition, dedication and consistency'.
But visitors expecting architectural spectacles and trickery may be disappointed. Instead the three large circular galleries, in what used to be the former power station's oil tanks, are most striking for their concrete nakedness. Herzog & de Meuron have kept the spaces as close to their original identity as possible, creating stark and imposing volumes that will act as a foil to the live artworks on show.
Overall, the large-scale work-in-progress Tate extension - developing right beneath our noses at Wallpaper* HQ - poses a unique challenge to Herzog & de Meuron, who were also responsible for the original Tate Modern building 12 years ago. 'The Tate is a very public forum,' says Jacques Herzog. 'Our role as architects is to make it function as a whole and feel natural, not fragmented'.
Lighting design by Arup Lighting, as well as an overall design language that references the original power station structure, ensure a seamless transition from the Turbine Hall to the Tanks.
The ambitious 15-week opening programme at the Tate Tanks comprises everything from a specially commissioned new installation by Korean artist Sung Hwan Kim, to dance and performance pieces by the likes of important choreographer Anne Teresa de Keersmaeker. In these new subterranean spaces, art and architecture will come together in the most engaging and thought-provoking fashion.
'The Tanks Commission' by Sung Hwan Kim, 2012
'The Tanks Commission' by Sung Hwan Kim, 2012
Pictured is 'Fase: Four movements to the Music of Steve Reich', by choreographer Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker, 2012, performed at Tate Modern Photography: Hugo Glendinning
The 15-week opening programme for the Tanks includes specially commissioned works and past classics.
Watch a snippet of De Keersmaeker's work and hear her take on performing in the Tanks
Lighting design by Arup Lighting, as well as an overall design language that references the original power station, ensure a seamless transition from the Tanks to the Turbine Hall
The Tate Tanks are the next phase of an amibitious extension project for Tate Modern, also masterminded by Herzog & de Meuron. 'Our role as architects is to make it function as a whole and feel natural, not fragmented,' says Jacques Herzog
Also being performed in the Tanks is 'Light Music', by Lis Rhodes, 1975
'Light Music', by Lis Rhodes, 1975
'The Crystal Quilt', by Suzanne Lacy, 1985-7, at Tate Modern
'The Crystal Quilt', by Suzanne Lacy, 1985-7, at Tate Modern
'Flip Book' by Boris Charmatz, 1987
'DEM', by Eddie Peake, performed at Cell Project Space London, 2012. Photography: Damian Jaques
'Flik Flak', by Jeff Keen, 1964
'Washing Brain and Corn', by Sung Hwan Kim, 2012
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