Image: Minding the Digital / MVRDV. Image © Zhang Chao
Architecture has long been associated with permanence, with buildings that stand the test of time and become part of our history. However, there is a different side to architecture, one that embraces temporality and ephemeral design. Exhibition architecture, in particular, allows for experimentation and a dynamic approach to design. In this article, we explore 12 exhibition design projects from around the world that showcase the power of temporary architecture.
Minding the Digital / MVRDV
Image: Minding the Digital / MVRDV. Image © Zhang Chao
One of the projects that exemplifies the potential of temporary architecture is "Minding the Digital" by MVRDV. This exhibition, held at The Sea World Culture and Arts Center in Shenzhen, China, allowed visitors to immerse themselves in a digital world through interactive installations and cutting-edge technology. MVRDV's design created a dynamic and engaging experience for visitors, blurring the boundaries between physical and digital spaces.
Fear and Love - Sam Jacob Studio
Image: Fear and Love / Sam Jacob Studio. Image Courtesy of Sam Jacob Studio
Another thought-provoking exhibition design is "Fear and Love" by Sam Jacob Studio. This exhibition, held at the London Design Museum, explored the complex emotions and relationships that architecture evokes in us. Through innovative and immersive installations, Sam Jacob Studio challenged conventional notions of architecture and encouraged visitors to question their perceptions.
A Search for Living Architecture / Bestor Architecture
Image: A Search for Living Architecture / Bestor Architects. Image © Lance Gerber
Bestor Architecture's "A Search for Living Architecture" exhibition at the Palm Springs Art Museum showcased the possibilities of sustainable and eco-friendly architecture. The exhibition aimed to inspire visitors to rethink their relationship with the built environment and explore alternative approaches to design. Through innovative installations and thought-provoking displays, Bestor Architecture demonstrated that architecture can be both temporary and impactful.
Pierre Chareau: Modern Architecture and Design - Diller Scofidio + Renfro
Image: Pierre Chareau: Modern Architecture and Design / Diller Scofidio + Renfro. Image via Diller Scofidio + Renfro
The exhibition "Pierre Chareau: Modern Architecture and Design," designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro, showcased the work of the influential French architect Pierre Chareau. Through a combination of physical and digital displays, the exhibition offered visitors a comprehensive and immersive experience of Chareau's groundbreaking designs. Diller Scofidio + Renfro's design created a dialogue between the past and the present, highlighting the enduring relevance of Chareau's work.
'Gerzso, Gerzso, Gerzso' - LANZA Atelier
Image: Gerzso, Gerzso, Gerzso / LANZA Atelier. Image Courtesy of LANZA Atelier
LANZA Atelier's exhibition "Gerzso, Gerzso, Gerzso" at the Centro Cultural Tlatelolco in Mexico City celebrated the work of the renowned Mexican painter Gunther Gerzso. The exhibition design created a visually striking and immersive environment, allowing visitors to delve into Gerzso's artistic universe. LANZA Atelier's temporary architecture enhanced the viewing experience and highlighted the unique qualities of Gerzso's paintings.
Frei Otto. Thinking in Models - FAR frohn&rojas
Image: Frei Otto. Thinking in Models / FAR frohn&rojas. Image Courtesy of FAR frohn&rojas
FAR frohn&rojas' exhibition "Frei Otto. Thinking in Models" at the ZKM Center for Art and Media in Germany paid tribute to the visionary architect Frei Otto. Through intricate models and interactive displays, the exhibition showcased Otto's innovative approach to architecture and his pioneering experiments with lightweight structures. FAR frohn&rojas' temporary architecture allowed visitors to experience Otto's designs in a tangible and engaging way.
'MXCD01' - PALMA
Image: MXCD01 / PALMA. Image Courtesy of PALMA
The exhibition "MXCD01" by PALMA at the Archivo Diseño y Arquitectura in Mexico City explored the intersection of architecture and design. Through a series of installations and displays, PALMA created an immersive environment that invited visitors to explore the relationship between space, form, and function. PALMA's temporary architecture provided a versatile backdrop for the exhibition, allowing the exhibits to take center stage.
Sao Paulo Museum of Art (MASP) Display / Lina Bo Bardi reviewed by METRO Arquitetos
Image: Sao Paulo Museum of Art (MASP) / Lina Bo Bardi reviewed by METRO Arquitetos. Image © Romullo Baratto
METRO Arquitetos' review of Lina Bo Bardi's iconic design for the Sao Paulo Museum of Art (MASP) showcased the timeless nature of her work. Through a combination of archival materials, digital displays, and physical installations, the exhibition highlighted the enduring impact of Bo Bardi's design philosophy. METRO Arquitetos' temporary architecture paid homage to Bo Bardi's vision, creating a seamless integration of past and present.
Under the Same Sun / Frida Escobedo
Image: Under the Same Sun / Frida Escobedo. Image Courtesy of Museo Jumex
Frida Escobedo's exhibition "Under the Same Sun" at the Museo Jumex in Mexico City explored the rich cultural diversity of Latin America. Through a combination of immersive installations and storytelling, the exhibition transported visitors to different regions and introduced them to the vibrant artistic traditions of the continent. Escobedo's temporary architecture created a sense of intimacy and connection, enhancing the overall experience for visitors.
Kurt Schwitters: Merz / Zaha Hadid Architects
Image: Kurt Schwitters: Merz / Zaha Hadid Architects. Image Courtesy of Galerie Gmurzynska
Zaha Hadid Architects' exhibition "Kurt Schwitters: Merz" at Galerie Gmurzynska in Zurich celebrated the revolutionary artist Kurt Schwitters. The exhibition design integrated Schwitters' collages and sculptures into an immersive environment that reflected his avant-garde spirit. Zaha Hadid Architects' temporary architecture transformed the gallery space, creating a dynamic and visually stunning experience for visitors.
El Viaje de los Objetos / Germen Estudio
Image: El Viaje de los Objetos / Germen Estudio. Image Courtesy of Germen Estudio
Germen Estudio's exhibition "El Viaje de los Objetos" at the Centro Cultural Universitario Tlatelolco in Mexico City explored the journey of objects and their impact on our daily lives. Through a combination of interactive displays and thought-provoking installations, the exhibition invited visitors to reflect on the hidden stories behind everyday objects. Germen Estudio's temporary architecture created a dynamic and engaging space, encouraging visitors to immerse themselves in the narrative.
Chamber of Wonders / PRODUCTORA
Image: Chamber of Wonders / PRODUCTORA. Image Courtesy of PRODUCTORA
PRODUCTORA's exhibition "Chamber of Wonders" traveled across different cities, including Mexico City, Medellín, and Rio de Janeiro, showcasing a diverse range of architectural projects. The exhibition design created an immersive and interactive environment, allowing visitors to explore the innovative solutions and creative ideas presented. PRODUCTORA's temporary architecture provided a flexible platform for showcasing the projects and fostering dialogue between architects and the public.
In conclusion, these 12 exhibition design projects demonstrate that architecture doesn't have to be permanent to be powerful. Temporary architecture allows for experimentation, innovation, and dynamic experiences that engage visitors in new and exciting ways. By embracing temporality, architects can create impactful designs that challenge our perceptions and open up new possibilities for the future of architecture.
