Flexible exhibition architecture providing a distinctive framework for variable objects

Rapid Response Collecting was introduced by the Victoria&Albert Museum (V&A) as a new type of collecting activity of contemporary objects acquired in response to major moments in recent history. In 2013 the V&A presented this innovative concept at the Urbanism/Architecture Bi-City Biennale (UABB) for which we were responsible for the exhibition design.

Our design had to be highly adaptable and flexible. Given the nature of Rapid Response Collecting we didn't know which exhibition objects we would be working with until days before the show. An additional challenge was that a site visit prior to installation was not possible and therefore not all site conditions were known beforehand.

The design consisted of two main architectural elements: a long table with tall, integrated light poles and a large vertical hanging board. The table organised the large industrial space and provided a plain exhibition surface. The vertical hanging board not only provided additional hanging space, but also added an extra layer of interest to the display of the objects. To be able to adapt the labels and signs and to arrange the unknown objects on site, we opted for a flexible pegboard solution.