The Architecture Exhibition of Tomorrow

1 Exhibiting Architecture Today
2 Architektur Galerie Berlin
3 Exhibiting Architecture Tomorrow – Task + Dates
.
.
1 Exhibiting Architecture Today

At least since the 1932 exhibition “Modern Architecture: International Exhibition” at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, curated by Philipp Johnson and others, architectural exhibitions have been an important part of architectural discourse. They serve to illustrate and disseminate theses and examples on current issues and have simultaneously established themselves as places of exchange. Today, the spectrum of approximately 100 established exhibition venues worldwide ranges from locally operating institutions and universities to the Venice Architecture Biennale as a global platform. In keeping with their respective programs, tasks, and goals, they present very different forms and formats, so that the definition of the term “architectural exhibition” is multifaceted.

Since the advent of the digital age of communication, the role of exhibitions has been changing. Digital channels and social media allow most information to be disseminated in real time and with unlimited reach – a huge benefit in terms of participation and a democratic opinion-forming process. Exhibitions, on the other hand, are location-specific, their production is complex, and their presence is only temporary. It was no coincidence that the question arose at the beginning of this development as to whether exhibitions were obsolete.

After the initial hype surrounding the potential of digital communication, however, there is now a consensus that digital and analog information ideally complement each other. It is undeniable that essential characteristics of architecture are still best presented in analog form, i.e., using plans, photographs, models, and spatial installations. Not least, the experience of the Corona period with its limited contact options and closed exhibition spaces has led to a new appreciation of analog formats. Nevertheless, this development is constantly evolving: parallel to the changing communication channels, so are viewing habits, needs, and, not least, the tools of architectural production.
.
.
2 Architektur Galerie Berlin

Since its founding 25 years ago, the Architektur Galerie Berlin has been part of and a reflection of this continuous development, further enhanced by the fact that it exclusively focuses on contemporary architecture. In line with current social, political, and economic challenges, the demands placed on architecture and urban planning have changed enormously, particularly in recent years. Consequently, the reception of many exhibitions has also evolved: While previously mostly conceived as passive sources of knowledge, they now increasingly engage with visitors and attempt to motivate them to actively form opinions. This also includes expanding the decades-old practice of exhibiting architecture to include event formats such as presentations, discussions, screenings, book launches, etc..

These content-related developments are accompanied by new technological possibilities, i.e., the media of knowledge transfer. Since the Covid period at the latest, the core analog format has been expanded to include numerous digital activities, the potential of which is far from exhausted (linking places, institutions, and media that communicate architecture worldwide; architecture TikTok to offset the lack of school and general education in architecture; and preparing specialist knowledge for non-specialists). In addition, it has become clear how important physical spaces are as meeting places where not only knowledge is imparted, but where people exchange ideas and celebrate.
.
.
3 Exhibiting Architecture Tomorrow – Task

Given of the points above, the question of the “architecture exhibition of tomorrow” arises. To answer this question, the gallery invites all actors and visitors in the gallery’s environment to develop appropriate ideas and suggestions. The following questions will be addressed:

– How do analog artifacts and digital information achieve a balanced balance?
– Do exhibitions remain finished formats, or are visitors involved and able to change them?
– Will exhibition venues remain fixed in place in the future, or will mobile formats prevail?
– How can we ensure that sensitive exhibits are present in public spaces?
– What must and can architectural exhibitions achieve, and which audience should they address?
– What role do smaller venues play, and what function must larger venues assume?
– Will exhibitions even be necessary in the future?

Complex solutions are desirable, but answers to partial aspects and theses are also welcome. In any case, the “Architecture Exhibition of Tomorrow” will be developed using the Architektur Galerie Berlin as a spatial example, taking into account its special location on the legendary Karl-Marx-Allee.