Lee Bul: Crash / Crashing
Hayward Gallery, London (UK)  /  Gropius Bau, Berlin (DE)



Exhibition architecture that materialises the artistic vision of Lee Bul and transforms the space to explore the boundaries between reality and imagination.
‘Crash / Crashing’  explored the full range of Lee Bul’s work over the last four decades in 100 artworks. Exhibits range from large scale installations, paintings, video art, to miniature marquette models, as well as performance and installation art.

For the exhibition design we took its inspiration from the unique materiality of Lee Bul ́s works, transforming spaces into a spectacular dreamlike landscape that invites the viewer to explore the boundaries between reality and imagination.





The exhibition was initially showcased at the Hayward Gallery, with its expansive and flowing open spaces, before it later moved to the more intimate sequence of rooms at the Gropius Bau. Our design had to be flexible to respond to each location and to allow for each show to develop a distinct character. Natural light needed to be carefully managed whilst respecting strict conservation requirements for both locations.
Some of the exhibits' large scale presented challenges both structurally and in terms of health & safety. We had to develop and test special solutions to securely suspend a long silver foil Zeppelin from the ceiling and install a large mirror floor for visitors.




Location: Hayward Gallery, London (UK) / Gropius Bau, Berlin (DE)
Year: 2018-19
Client: Hayward Gallery / Gropius Bau
Curator: Dr Stephanie Rosenthal
Collaborators: Mues Design, Gropius Bau team, Hayward Gallery team
Team: Andreas Lechthaler, Sebastian Koepf, Alcina Lo, Andrea Boito, Natalie Savva
Image credits: ALA/Klaud, Mark Blower/Hayward Gallery, Mathias Völzke/Gropius Bau
Links: southbankcentre.co.uk / berlinerfestspiele.de