The structure stands tall, its wooden frame exuding an aura of eerie magnificence, commanding attention in a way that both fascinates and unsettles. This timber column, inspired by the guillotine, is more than just an architectural element—it is a stark reminder of violence, speed, and momentum, concepts that have shaped history and continue to resonate today.

Crafted from treated whitewood, the column’s surface is smooth but bears the subtle marks of its creation, evoking the rawness of its inspiration. The grain of the wood seems to tell a story of nature’s own violence, the tree’s life marked by the elements before it was felled—much like those condemned to the blade, their lives scarred before the ultimate, final cut.

The column is reminiscent of the guillotine’s blade poised to descend. This design choice is deliberate, evoking a sense of latent violence. The timber, polished to a gleam, contrasts sharply with the imagery it conjures—a tool of execution, swift and unerring. Here, the wood’s natural beauty is juxtaposed with the brutality of its symbolic function. It serves as a powerful metaphor for how violence can be both a crafted, almost elegant act, and a devastating force.

Speed and momentum are integral themes embodied in this column. The guillotine’s historical function depended on these principles: the swift, decisive drop of the blade, its lethal efficiency achieved through calculated momentum. This is echoed in the column’s design, which tapers from a narrow base to a broader top, guiding the eye downward in a rapid, almost urgent motion and the use of the CNC milling machine to achieve the sleek lines and vertical orientation suggest an unstoppable force, a trajectory that mirrors the fatal plunge of the guillotine’s blade.

As one moves around the column, the interplay of light and shadow on its surface creates a dynamic visual experience. The shifting shadows mimic the fleeting nature of the guillotine’s operation: here one moment, gone the next. This transient play of light and dark underscores the speed at which violence can alter reality, leaving behind only its shadowy aftermath.

Moreover, the column’s presence elicits a visceral response, a mix of awe and discomfort. It forces onlookers to confront the darker aspects of human nature and history. The timber, a material traditionally associated with warmth and stability, here becomes a medium of contemplation on destruction and impermanence. This duality deepens the impact of the column, making it a poignant commentary on the inherent contradictions within violence itself—its capacity to both create and obliterate, to instigate change with ruthless efficiency.

In essence, this timber column is a profound artistic statement. It captures the essence of the guillotine not just in form but in the underlying themes of violence, speed, and momentum. Through its design and symbolism, it challenges viewers to reflect on the historical and contemporary implications of these forces, making it a powerful piece of both art and architecture.

Innovation, Experimentation, Postgraduate, Timber