An Homage to Lina Bo Bardi’s Vision
International studio Open Architecture pays tribute to the legendary architect Lina Bo Bardi with “The Poetics of Survival,” the first major exhibition of her work in China. Hosted at the Power Station of Art (PSA) in Shanghai, the exhibition features a unique approach centered around “a single continuous curve” formed by elegant, hanging linen curtains. The studio’s renowned creations highlight Bardi’s visionary approach to architecture.
Reimagining the São Francisco River
The centerpiece of the exhibition is a remarkable replica of the indoor pond designed by Bardi for the SESC Pompéia in 1977. Open Architecture ‘transported’ the São Francisco River-inspired pond to Shanghai, maintaining its original scale while ensuring it appears to levitate slightly above the ground surface, unlike its permanent counterpart in Brazil. Such works exemplify the bridge between Bardi’s Brazilian roots and the Shanghai exhibition.
A Dynamic and Immersive Experience
To capture Bardi’s essence, the pond is adorned with pebbles of varying sizes and features water gently dripping from the ceiling, enhancing its ethereal ambiance. The main exhibition spaces showcase freestanding “islands” for Bardi’s architectural models, enriched by a diverse array of media including sketches, photographs, and videos. Here, the displays celebrate her legacy through a captivating blend of creativity and cultural homage.
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Interactive and Engaging Displays: How the Vision Comes to Life
The Poetics of Survival employs large-scale projections that move across the hanging linen screens, where exhibition texts are silkscreen-printed directly onto the fabric. Complementing the display cases, Open Architecture crafted bespoke furniture pieces like a bench constructed from wooden beams, as well as a glass, latticed wood, and concrete divider in the lobby. The manner in which these elements highlight the essence of Bardi’s vision creates a lasting impact on visitors.
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Bringing Bardi’s World to Life
Open Architecture’s thoughtful design aims to give visitors a deeper understanding of Bardi’s enduring influence. “By presenting Lina’s work in an environment reflective of her design ethos, audiences get a taste of her world and inspirations,” says the studio. This blend of Bardi’s work with the immersive exhibit creates a vivid glimpse into the Brazilian context of her era, where she continues to demonstrate her profound impact on modern architecture.
Source: dezeen.com
Frequently asked questions
What is The Poetics of Survival exhibition about?
‘The Poetics of Survival’ is an exhibition paying tribute to architect Lina Bo Bardi, featuring a unique design approach centered around a continuous curve formed by linen curtains. It includes Bardi’s architectural models and multimedia displays, celebrating her visionary architecture.
Where is the Lina Bo Bardi exhibition held in China?
The exhibition is hosted at the Power Station of Art in Shanghai.
What unique feature is replicated from SESC Pompéia in the exhibition?
The exhibition includes a replica of the indoor pond designed by Bardi for the SESC Pompéia in 1977, inspired by the São Francisco River, which is presented as levitating slightly above the ground in Shanghai.