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 is divided into two parts.
The first part aims to explore in depth issues relating to the design of exhibition spaces in the modern and contemporary periods. Students acquire the critical tools and historical knowledge necessary to understand and interpret the design processes involved in creating exhibition spaces and installations. During the lessons, the main themes relating to museum architecture in the 20th and 21st centuries are examined; the various contexts surrounding the creation of exhibition spaces are analysed; and the key events, works and figures in the evolution of exhibition space architecture are identified.
The second part of the course analyses a selection of architectural exhibitions that have succeeded in re-examining both design criteria and the very concept of the exhibition itself, in light of cultural, social, political and environmental changes. In particular, we analyse exhibitions that have proved to be spaces for critical reflection, aiming to redefine a design strategy adapted to rapidly changing environmental conditions. In these exhibitions, architecture becomes a medium capable of raising cultural and ideological questions, presented in a way that engages the public.

Readings/Bibliography

Attending students

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

Calum Storrie, The Delirious Museum: A Journey from the Louvre to Las Vegas, London, I.B. Tauris, 2007.

Recommended reading

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

Non-attending students

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

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

Calum Storrie, The Delirious Museum: A Journey from the Louvre to Las Vegas, London, I.B. Tauris, 2007.

Teaching methods

Lectures

Assessment methods

There is no distinction between attending and non-attending students.

Oral examination.

To pass the oral examination, students must demonstrate that they have acquired a critical understanding of the course content and the bibliography.

Assessment criteria:

1. The ability to present a holistic understanding of the topics covered in the course and the bibliography, command of expressive language and specialist terminology, originality of thought, and familiarity with methods and tools for analysing architectural spaces and exhibitions will be awarded top marks.

2. A largely mechanical or rote knowledge of the subject, an inability to articulate synthesis and analysis, or language that is correct but not always appropriate, as well as an academic grasp of the history of architectural spaces and exhibitions, will result in moderate marks.

3. Academic shortcomings or inappropriate language, as well as a poor understanding of the methods and tools for analysing architectural spaces and exhibitions, will result in marks just above the pass mark.

4. Pedagogical shortcomings, inappropriate language, a lack of focus in the bibliography, and an inability to analyse architectural spaces and exhibitions can only be assessed negatively.

With regard to the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools, it should be noted that AI can be a useful tool to support independent study by providing analysis, summaries and self-assessment exercises. As regards assessment, the use of AI is prohibited during face-to-face examinations. Any such use constitutes a breach of academic integrity.

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