Ephemeral Architecture: ever heard of it?

Designing an ephemeral architecture is not just designing something temporary. It means to tell a story, to carry on an abstract concept, to create experiences through constructive aspects and communication. And the projects must be very well thought out to impact on the little time that they will remain available.

Some examples of ephemeral architecture are: design of booths, showcases, promotional animations, pop-up stores, exhibition design or even a set developed for a fashion show. In other words, any and every environment designed for a short period of time, regardless of the purpose: exhibiting the works of an artist, selling a limited edition product, or promoting a brand.

Is it not clear yet? Check out our examples below!

Dior – Spring Summer 2018

For the 2018 Spring/Summer fashion show, Dior created a spectacular setting. The fashion shown was inspired by the fairy tales, with treasures, dragons, magicians and princesses.

Thus, in the middle of the garden of the Rodin Museum, in Paris, a cave was designed with the interior covered by pieces of mirrors, forming a mosaic of reflections. Personally, I found it a little inspired by Gaudí (to learn more about him and his works, read the article about The mysteries of Gaudí architecture in Barcelona).

Leonardiana

A project that combines history, art and ancient architecture with multimedia technologies and simple structures. This is an exhibition located in the Castle of Vigevano, Italy, with part of its interior dedicated to Leonardo da Vinci.

The main exhibition, called “Leonardiana”, was designed by the Italian studio Migliore+Servetto Architects, which used multimedia systems and advanced lighting, creating storytelling through music, reproduction of sketches, scientific research and interactive systems.

One scenario exhibits a combination between the original art and the narrative replica in multimedia.

Microsoft Home

A specialist in booth design, Mauk Design studio designed a space for Microsoft to show the wide variety of technologies that contribute to the electronic integration of a home.

The simple but well-designed solution was literally to showcase these technologies in a home. And, for the project to become more interesting and less cliché, the designer chose codes of a home (such as fence, roof, door), exhibiting them in a deconstructed manner and with a touch of humor.

Hermès Souffle

A simple window with only two elements: the product and a video. But much more than a simple arrangement, this installation of Tokujin Yoshioka, specially created for this launch of Hermès, was beyond expectations. The video creates a false interaction with a handkerchief, causing a movement inside the window.

COS pop-up store

Only during Milan’s Design Week, the Swedish clothing brand COS opened a pop-up store designed by French studio Bonsoir Paris. With the same concept of the brand, the space was designed with a simple, functional and minimalist “look & feel”.

Fitting and tube modules formed the exhibitors in the middle of an empty and sober space, emphasizing only the clothing items.

Abstract concepts, graphic elements, multimedia installations, scenery and decorations generate content for ephemeral architecture to become something that people can contemplate and experience. Highly creative designs that, for a short time, have to make an impact so that you always keep them in your memory.