Exploring Premio Strega’s rich history through Supervoid’s interactive design
Walking into the exhibition “Uno, Cinque, Dodici. Ottant’anni del Premio Strega” designed by Supervoid is like stepping into a carefully constructed narrative that spans over seven decades. This extraordinary installation, featured at the exhibition, chronicles the progression of Italy’s prestigious literary prize by showcasing more than one thousand volumes. Each book, selected from the prize’s inception in 1947 to the present day, weaves together stories of triumphs, debates, and media shaping its history. At the heart of this display lies a cleverly designed pavilion that invites visitors to engage with the history and essence of the Premio Strega.
The central feature of this exhibition is a pavilion that serves as both an “ideal library” and an architectural statement. Imagined as a separate entity within the exhibition space, it simulates a room within a room, encouraging visitors to physically interact with Premio Strega’s history. Conceived by the innovative minds at Studio Supervoid, the design seamlessly merges the domestic warmth of textile surfaces and muted color palettes with the sharp, abstract exterior of aluminum that serves as a contemporary art display.
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Interactive elements breathe life into the aluminum shell
The pavilion’s essential aluminum shell is both minimalist and dynamic, brought to life by interactive elements. As you approach, the pavilion seems inert, but its surfaces invite participation. Windows integrated into the facades allow engagement with the pavilion’s contents. These portals are more than mere frames—they serve as pathways to interact with shortlisted books, select winning titles, and unearth stories hidden in the architecture. This interactivity animates the pavilion, adding an unexpected layer of engagement that enriches the visitor’s experience.
Designed to present a blend of public, private, and institutional realms, the pavilion embraces contrasts. Its exterior presents a stark, abstract impression, while the interior offers an inviting, intimate setting reminiscent of the community-focused origins of the Premio Strega. The pavilion itself is not simply a static object but an evolving element that responds to visitor interactions, orchestrating a dynamic presentation of archival depth intertwined with modern vibrancy.
A collaborative effort that honors the legacy of literature
This immersive exhibition was conceived and brought to life by Fondazione Bellonci e Strega with support from a range of sponsors including Persol and Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana. The design brought together multiple talents, such as collaborators Davide Rapezzi, Giovanni Telve, and Giovanni Fabbri, along with graphic design by Caneva-Nishimoto. The photography that captures the pavilion’s essence was skillfully executed by @louisdebelle.
The project reflects a profound respect for the storied tradition of Italian literature and provides a vital platform for contemporary discourse. It’s a testament to Supervoid’s ability to merge architectural innovation with cultural celebration, offering you a multifaceted encounter with the beloved Premio Strega. This is more than an exhibition—it’s an embodied exploration of a 79-year literary journey transformed into spatial art.
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Source: designboom.com