Prepare to be captivated by a unique architectural marvel that challenges your perception of space and time. Dezeen presents an extraordinary journey into The Cosmic House, a Grade I listed property in London's Holland Park, designed by the late Charles Jencks, a renowned critic and architect. But this is more than just a house; it's a living, breathing testament to postmodernism and a celebration of the cosmos.
Jencks, along with his partner Maggie Keswick Jencks, an artist and garden designer, created this masterpiece as a physical embodiment of his ideas. The Cosmic House is an educational foundation that opened its doors to the public in 2021, offering a rich program of exhibitions, residencies, and collaborations. It's a place where architecture, art, and academia converge, following the spirit of its visionary founder.
Charles Jencks was a prominent figure in the study of Postmodernism, famously declaring the end of modern architecture in his 1977 book, 'The Language of Post-Modern Architecture'. But his influence extended far beyond criticism. He co-founded Maggie's, a cancer support charity, and his work in landform and landscape art is equally celebrated.
The Cosmic House is a playful experiment, brimming with visual and verbal puns, symbols, and games. Jencks believed architecture was a meaning-maker, and his house is a testament to this. Upon entering, you're greeted by the Cosmic Oval, a vestibule mirroring the universe's shape, setting the tone for a multi-layered experience.
The house invites various interpretations. It can be seen as a cosmic metaphor, with the Solar Stair, a spiral staircase, at its heart. Each step represents a week, and the astrological signs adorn the stairs. The bannisters symbolize the sun, moon, and Earth, creating a celestial journey.
The ground floor reveals five rooms, each representing a season, with unique features like fireplaces by Michael Graves and sculptures by Celia Scott. Humor is ever-present, with visual gags like marble 'spoon glyphs' and a staircase to nowhere.
The Cosmic House was also a hub for Charles and Maggie's academic pursuits, ranging from cosmology to health. Their influence extends beyond the house, with cosmic-themed landscape art pieces designed together, such as the Garden of Cosmic Speculation in Scotland.
Maggie's, the charity they founded, offers solace to cancer patients and their loved ones through architecturally significant spaces. Collaborating with renowned architects, they've created centers of comfort and support.
The Cosmic House continues to foster Jencks's legacy through collaborations with contemporary artists. It hosts performances, like Lina Lapelytė's musical video, which engages with the house's cosmic theme. The foundation also preserves Charles's archive and library, offering a treasure trove for scholars of architecture and culture.
Dezeen's video, released alongside The Cosmic House's new website, delves into this fascinating world. The website explores themes from Charles and Maggie's work, showcasing their impact on architecture, cosmology, and health. It's a digital extension of their vision, inviting you to explore and discover.
The Cosmic House is open to visitors for most of the year, welcoming those eager to experience this postmodernist landmark. And this is the part most people miss: it's not just a house; it's a universe of ideas, a testament to the power of architecture to inspire and provoke. And here's where it gets controversial - is The Cosmic House a work of art, architecture, or both? You decide. What do you think is the most intriguing aspect of this unique space?
