christ & gantenbein unveils neon lights and dotted walls in paris internationale exhibition

CHRIST & GANTENBEIN‘S EXHIBITION DESIGN FOR PARIS INTERNATIONALE

International architecture practice Christ & Gantenbein has designed an exhibition system for Paris Internationale, an independent art fair displaying contemporary art at different locations each year. The 2022 edition takes place in one of the first Parisian buildings with a glazed façade, which housed the former studio of French photographer Nadar and hosted the first Impressionist exhibition in 1874. The bare structure with its exposed skeletal framework becomes the stage for this year’s show, as the Swiss studio approaches the 3000 sqm space like a city within a city, and reinterprets Hausmannian principles by forming a radical system of lights and temporary walls.

all images courtesy of Giaime Meloni

straight lines, neon lights, and plasterboard walls

The design team at Christ & Gantenbein used their experience in creating spaces for art and culture in order to adapt the exhibition design of the fair to the specific site and context. The raw interior has remained largely intact, while the empty shell and deep floor plates are overlaid with a network of straight lines running perpendicular to the boulevard, creating an exhibition design that challenges the preconceived notion of an art fair booth. Open paths lead from the street to the courtyard, despite all obstacles.

This system subtly guides visitors through the building with minimal effort and use of materials. The 67 booths of varying sizes, spread over four floors, housing 60 galleries from over 20 countries. True to Paris Internationale’s identity, neon lights and plasterboard walls emerge as the main elements of the exhibition, dividing the booths and displaying the artworks. The raw concrete walls of the structure are dotted with white paint, adding an eye-catching visual element within the interiors. In addition to the exhibition spaces, there is a lobby and café furnished with objects designed by Christ & Gantenbein.

dotted walls and furniture adorn the exhibition space

the bare structure with its exposed skeletal framework becomes the stage for this year’s show

project info: 

name: Paris Internationale Exhibition Design
architects: Christ & Gantenbein 
event: Paris Internationale 2022
location: 35 boulevard des Capucines, 75002 Paris, France