ROME.- The MAXXI Museum in Rome has opened a captivating new exhibition titled Instable Architecture, curated by the renowned New York-based architectural studio Diller Scofidio + Renfro (DS+R). The exhibition, which opened on October 25 in the museum's KME Gallery, is a deep exploration of movement as an intrinsic property of architecture and its intersection with art, technology, and social dynamics. This unexpected journey offers an innovative narrative about architecture that can move, act, and engage with both its environment and its inhabitants.
Movement as a Core Principle of Architecture
From its inception, DS+R has been at the forefront of exploring the concept of movement in architecture. The studio has long been fascinated by kinetic performances, choreographies, mobile and mechanical architectures, robotic installations, and dynamic structures that move and change over time. These elements have been central to expanding architecture beyond the traditional Vitruvian triad of firmitas (strength), utilitas (function), and venustas (beauty), particularly the concept of firmitas.
For DS+R, the impetus to challenge the limitations of architecture comes from two primary forces: a centrifugal pull toward dialogue with other artistic disciplines and a desire to "move" architecture, keeping it in step with a society where technology, science, and social and ecological urgencies evolve at an ever-increasing pace. This approach to architectural design reflects the studio’s commitment to innovation and responsiveness to contemporary global challenges.
A Unique Curatorial Approach
In addition to curating the exhibition, the architects at DS+R have designed the exhibition space itself as a kinetic "choreographic" piece. In perfect harmony with sounds and images, a system of curtains moves throughout the gallery, continuously redefining the space and offering visitors unexpected interpretations of the architectural projects on display. The exhibition is divided into four sections, each illustrating the astonishing possibilities of architecture defined by movement, ranging from the utopian to the pragmatic, from the experimental to the ecological.
One of the key themes of the exhibition is adaptive architecture—buildings that evolve alongside technological, economic, or social changes. The MAXXI Architecture collection, for instance, includes works like the Italian Pavilion for Expo 70 by Maurizio Sacripanti, Cedric Price’s unbuilt Fun Palace (1964), and DS+R’s own iconic The Shed (2019) in New York. Also featured is the Nakagin Capsule Tower (1970) by Kisho Kurokawa, with one of its original capsules displayed in the Alighiero Boetti square.
Mobile Architecture: Fluidity and Flexibility
Mobile architecture, no longer confined to a single location, embodies a fluidity that allows it to move with its users, providing space or temporary shelter exactly where needed. The exhibition showcases works such as Hans Hollein’s Mobile Office (1969), an inflatable office designed to provide a portable workspace, and the Instant City (1970) concept by the Archigram collective. Another standout project is the Ark Nova Concert Hall (2013) designed by Anish Kapoor in collaboration with Arata Isozaki, which is an example of architecture that responds dynamically to the needs of its environment and users.
Exhibited projects also include buildings that respond directly to human bodies, actively adjusting their surfaces to meet the diverse needs of their occupants. Notable examples include the Istituto Sociale Centrale (1937) in Prague by Ferdinand Ludwig, František Libra, and Jiří Kan, the Rotating Prison of Montgomery County (1882) by William Brown, and the Maison à Bordeaux (1998) by OMA, the Dutch architecture firm led by Rem Koolhaas.
Ecodynamic Architecture: Engaging with the Natural World
Another central theme of the exhibition is architecture that doesn’t resist natural forces but rather welcomes them, engaging with the climate to absorb sunlight, provide shade, or reinforce structures against the wind. These "ecodynamic" structures embody a new model of sustainability. Featured projects include the Institut du Monde Arabe (1987) in Paris by Jean Nouvel, Gilbert Lèzenes, Pierre Soria, and Architecture Studio, Villa Girasole (1935) by Angelo Invernizzi, and the Medina Square Shading Project (2010) by SL Rasch GmbH Special & Lightweight Structures.
Public Programs and Educational Initiatives
In conjunction with the exhibition, the MAXXI Public Program team has organized a series of events, including a talk by Elizabeth Diller, co-founder of DS+R, who will discuss the studio's work and the concept of kinetic architecture. Additional programs will explore the relationship between architecture and other forms of creative movement, such as cinema, dance, and fashion. The museum’s educational office is also offering workshops for secondary schools and families, as well as guided tours to enrich visitors' understanding of the exhibit.
Publication and Further Insights
The Instable Architecture project is accompanied by a comprehensive volume published by Forma Edizioni. This publication offers a deeper investigation into the role of movement in architecture and art, with a focus on DS+R's contribution to this approach. Featuring selected projects, critical essays, a rich visual apparatus, and an anthology of texts dedicated to movement, the book serves as an essential resource for those seeking a deeper understanding of the exhibition's themes.
Instable Architecture at the MAXXI Museum is a groundbreaking exploration of the potential for architecture to move, evolve, and interact with its environment. It challenges traditional notions of static design and presents a bold vision for the future of architectural practice.
