B5358 - Architecture on Display: Exhibition Spaces and Curatorial Practices (1) (LM)

Learning outcomes

Students learn about the theories at the core of the most relevant design processes of architectural exhibitions and exhibition buildings. They acquire the necessary knowledge to interpret the role of exhibitions in the redefinition, narration and enhancement of architecture and its theoretical, cultural, social, and political foundations. Through the study of curatorial practices and significant exhibition buildings, they develop a personal capacity to do research on displaying architecture and the methodology to detect, historically locate and critically evaluate the major issues related to the relationship between artworks and architectural spaces.

Course contents

The course begins with a masterclass presentation and continues in a workshop format. The presentation aims to explore questions relevant to the design of exhibitions on themes related to architecture.

Workshop

ART OF LIVING Teacher Anna Rosellini / tutor Natalie Donat-Cattin

During the workshop, students work on a collective research topic and on the methods and tools for presenting and representing subjects related to architecture, the city, and the territory. Through the study of significant themes, they develop personal research skills and the methodology for designing an exhibition. 

An exhibition will be organized at the end of the course.

Regular attendance is recommended.

For more information, see:  WORKSHOP PROGRAM

Readings/Bibliography

Attending students

On architectural exhibitions (recommended essays)

Anna Rosellini, Stefano Setti, Pensiero radicale esibito. Happening, Scenografie, Installazioni, Milano, Skira, 2025.

Eeva-Liisa Pelkonen, Exhibit A: Exhibitions that Transformed Architecture, 1948-2000, London, Phaidon Press, 2018.

Roberto Gigliotti, Displayed Spaces. New Means of Architecture (Re)Presentation through Exhibitions, Leipzig Spector, 2015.

Thordis Arrhenius, Mari Lending, Wallis Miller, Jérémie Michael McGowan (eds.), Place and Displacement Exhibiting Architecture, Zürich, Lars Müller Publishers, 2014.

Workshop

Nephthys Zwer, Philippe Rekacewicz, Cartographie radicale. Explorations, Paris, Dominique Carré, 2021.

The bibliography will be completed during the workshop, depending on the topic discussed.

Non-attending students

Eeva-Liisa Pelkonen, Exhibit A: Exhibitions that Transformed Architecture, 1948-2000, London, Phaidon Press, 2018.

Roberto Gigliotti, Displayed Spaces. New Means of Architecture (Re)Presentation through Exhibitions, Leipzig Spector, 2015.

A book of your choice from:

Anna Rosellini, Stefano Setti, Pensiero radicale esibito. Happening, Scenografie, Installazioni, Milano, Skira, 2025.

Thordis Arrhenius, Mari Lending, Wallis Miller, Jérémie Michael McGowan (eds.), Place and Displacement Exhibiting Architecture, Zürich, Lars Muller, 2014.

Teaching methods

Lectures, workshop

Assessment methods

Attending students

The assessment consists of developing a project for a group exhibition. The project is presented and discussed before a jury composed of teachers and guests.

For further information, see: WORKSHOP PROGRAM

Project revisions are organized throughout the course. Participation in these revisions is mandatory. These revisions should be considered opportunities for discussion and sharing aimed at improving the project. A formal presentation is organized at the end of the course. This presentation will be evaluated, and its grade will be included in the final assessment.

Assessment criteria:

1. The achievement of an organic vision of the subject addressed in the project, mastery of expression and specific language, originality of analysis and reflection, and familiarity with the methods and tools for presenting, representing and communicating the exhibition project will be assessed with marks of excellence.

2. A primarily mechanical or mnemonic knowledge of the subject addressed in the project, an unarticulated ability to synthesise and analyse, or correct but not always appropriate language, as well as an academic mastery of the methods and tools for presenting, representing and communicating the exhibition project will lead to modest assessments.

3. Educational shortcomings or inappropriate language, as well as poor knowledge of methods, analysis tools, and presentation, representation, and communication of the exhibition project will result in grades at the threshold of sufficiency.

4. Educational shortcomings, inappropriate language, lack of focus in analysis, methods, and tools for presentation, representation, and communication of the project can only be evaluated negatively.

5. The graphic quality of the project and active participation in the workshop will be evaluated.

Non-attending students

Oral exam on the content of the bibliography.

To pass the oral exam, students must demonstrate that they have acquired a critical understanding of the bibliography.

Assessment criteria:

1. An organic understanding of the topics covered in the bibliography, mastery of expressive language and specific terminology, originality of thought, and familiarity with methods and tools for analysing architectural exhibitions will be assessed with marks of excellence.

2. A primarily mechanical or mnemonic knowledge of the subject, an unarticulated ability to synthesise and analyse, or correct but not always appropriate language, as well as an academic mastery of the history of architecture exhibitions will lead to modest evaluations.

3. Educational gaps or inappropriate language, as well as poor knowledge of methods and tools for analysing architectural exhibitions, will result in marks at the threshold of sufficiency.

4. Educational gaps, inappropriate language, lack of guidance in the bibliography, and inability to analyse architectural exhibitions can only be assessed negatively.

 

Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Teaching tools

The course images are provided to the students.

Office hours

See the website of Anna Rosellini