In 2016 Bodo was approached for a bespoke commission by Triangelis church in Erbach, near Frankfurt in Germany. As his first public space project, it was an exciting opportunity to apply his creative process to a new sphere.
The brief was remarkable: to design a font, ambo and candle holder to be installed following the renovation of the neo-gothic church. The items had to fulfil a specific function whilst working with the influence of the interior space - both its physicality and sanctity.
Responding to these unique surroundings, Bodo made the radical proposal to use movement to create a dynamic interaction between the pieces and their environment. The font is dramatically suspended from the ceiling and when needed, smoothly descends with an ethereal theatricality.
When raised, the font mirrors the chandelier with its patinated bronze finish echoing that of its neighbour. Through this material synergy, the designs respect the space and coexist harmoniously with the existing historical aesthetic.
As well as honouring and understanding the church space, the pieces also recognise the culture and craftsmanship of the surrounding area, using local wood for the book stand and traditional bronze sand-casting methods at the family-run Glassl Foundry in Michaelstadt.
Photography: Michael Donath