the changing room – couture of architecture, 2008
site specific installation at arsenale for the 11th international architecture exhibition of la biennale di venezia
image © designboom

 

 

the central question behind UNStudio’s installation ‘ the changing room’ is: what are the implications for
the architectural environment of the contemporary, highly unsettled and unpredictable configurations of
living and working? the installation gradually instills this question by moving the visitor through different
layers of meaning and sensation.

 

 

venice architecture biennale 08: UNStudio
image © designboom
 

the scenario of the changing room is clear and simple. individual enters changing room; puts product to test;
considers transformed self; comes to a decision and exits. during this brief interlude, the transformative potential
of the material world is explored.
 
 

venice architecture biennale 08: UNStudio image © designboom

 

conclusions that may be drawn from the selection of references, what does it say about
architecture that we are tempted to make analogies with magazine culture and couture
decisions. ultimately this installation is therefore about architecture itself. the venice biennale
is one of the last places where architecture returns to its core identity as a spatial art form,
where architecture itself can be at home in the modern world.
 
 

venice architecture biennale 08: UNStudio image © designboom

 

venice architecture biennale 08: UNStudio view from inside the ‘changing room’ – couture of architecture image © designboom

 

venice architecture biennale 08: UNStudio

view from inside the ‘changing room’ – couture of architecture
image © designboom
 

venice architecture biennale 08: UNStudio
view from inside the ‘changing room’ – couture of architecture
image © designboom
 
 

venice architecture biennale 08: UNStudio

view from inside the ‘changing room’ – couture of architecture
image © designboom
 


venice architecture biennale 08: UNStudio
ben van berkel from UNStudio
image © designboom