SCHACHBURG

Is a project Inspired by the numerous Schlössern, Türme, Burgen and Klöstern

– Palaces, Fortresses and Monasteries,   littered across the hills  of Baden-Württemberg,  Germany, this bespoke chess set is an ode to these archetypes that once defined the architecture of the region. The basic blocks for the pieces were generated using the architectural block generator Townscaper.  Each of the 6 traditional pieces have been reimagined:
 

• The Queen is the tallest piece, a Kloster – Convent Cathedral mounted on four separated foundations denoting feet, a nod to the swift and uninhibited movement of the piece,
   

• The King in contrast has a rooted foundation and is a Schloss – palace -  grand, ornate but hollow   much like the notion of the “divine right of  monarchy”
   

• The Bishop is a Kreuzburg taking the shape of a rotated Cross, an “X” eluding to the diagonal movement pattern of the piece.
   

• The Rook: is a Turmburg- a tower fortress alluding to the piece’s clear oversite of the field but limited movement until such a time as space on the field is made possible or the Kings requires refuge.
   

• The Knight is a Brückenturm – bridge tower, denoting the pieces ability to leap across in attack. The piece is designed in a 2:1 ration denoting the 2 vertical 1 horizontal pattern of movement , H is also for Horse.
   

• The Pawn : is a Wartturm – watchtower – a means of communication and first line of defence. The Piece is shaped like a diamond alluding to its unique capacity for promotion, a move that can turn the tide of a match.