Giant Go Pieces as Public Benches in Vienna
Architect, designer, and sculptor Gregor Eichinger has installed nine round, mushroom-shaped public benches at the intersection of Fahnengasse and Herrengasse near Michaelerplatz in Vienna. The permanent installation, commissioned by the association Herrengasse+, marks the site of the Hochhaus Herrengasse, Austria's first modern skyscraper built in 1930. The benches are made of Nero Assoluto marble and resemble oversized Go stones, referencing the ancient Chinese board game. At night, each bench projects light spots onto the ground, adding a technological dimension. The work juxtaposes opposites: small and large, tradition and innovation, manual skill and automation. This last contrast alludes to the recent defeat of the world Go champion by an AI, highlighting the game's vast complexity (2.08 × 10^170 possible moves). The artist suggests that even AI originates from human minds. The installation is a permanent public art intervention in Vienna's historic center.
Key facts
- Gregor Eichinger designed nine public benches resembling Go stones.
- The benches are installed at Fahnengasse and Herrengasse near Michaelerplatz, Vienna.
- The location marks the site of the Hochhaus Herrengasse, Vienna's first modern skyscraper (1930).
- The benches are made of Nero Assoluto marble.
- The installation is permanent and commissioned by Herrengasse+.
- At night, each bench projects light spots onto the ground.
- The work references the ancient Chinese game Go.
- The world Go champion was recently defeated by an AI.
- Go has approximately 2.08 × 10^170 possible moves.
Entities
Artists
- Gregor Eichinger
Institutions
- Herrengasse+
Locations
- Vienna
- Austria
- Fahnengasse
- Herrengasse
- Michaelerplatz