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Exhibition System Semper
Exhibition System Semper
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Finalist, 2026 A+Awards, Commercial - Pop-Ups & Temporary
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Exhibition System Semper
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Finalist, 2026 A+Awards, Commercial - Pop-Ups & Temporary
Firm
Type
STATUS
Built
YEAR
2025
SIZE
3000 sqft - 5000 sqft
BUDGET
$10K - 50K
The exhibition system Semper is inspired by architectural historicist and theoretician's Gottfired Semper's understanding of origins of architecture. His idea of knots as primary structural joints and weaved textiles as walls, is translated in a contemporary way in this modular, reusable exhibition structure. The exhibition system was primarily created for an exhibition of the internationally recognized architect Boris Podrecca, who has leaned on Semper's theories throughout his architectural work.
We live in times, when questions of ecology are all-encompassing. Exhibition design, with its temporary character, has a duty to respond to questions of material resources and production of waste. The Semper system's answer to this is a carefully thougth-out reusable structure, that can respond to various situations and needs of the exhibits, thus reducing waste through a flexible, reusable system solution.
The system was initially designed with the possibility of presenting a number of various types of exhibited materials in mind. The work of internationally renowned architect and lecturer Boris Podrecca is varied in scale, medium of presentation, location etc. To accommodate this, the design envisioned a system that would enable the presentation of a wide range of material typologies. Even though the initial idea of presenting a wide range of content changed into a more linear, image-based presentation, the system was able to accommodate this change in curatorial direction.
The works in the exhibition are presented in the form of a Semperian spatial network incorporating the structural knotting and stitching that were fundamental concepts for one of Podrecca’s greatest inspirations, Gottfried Semper. The key elements of this structure – the 3D-printed joints ('knots') and poster holders ('stitches') designed as interpretations of Semper’s knots and stitches – have been made directly at the exhibition site by the Rog Centre maker lab. The structure allows the material to be mounted in a variety of ways, and then to be easily dismantled and reused in new spatial formations.
The exhibition system along with most of the content was built in just four days. This is due to a thoroughly thought-out modular building system which also includes several pre-made templates and modular rulers, which enable fast and hassle-free assembly.
The Semperian spatial network consist of structure, made from galvanized rebars in standardized lengths, which are held together by 3d-printed 'knots'. The spatial grid enables numerous ways of fastening materials into the structure. Posters, tables, objects etc. are held by 3d printed 'stitches', alluding to the act of weaving fabrics into the structure. Due to its flexible fastening system, the structure enables exhibiting of various types of materials - from posters, to original drawings, publications, models, videos, objects etc. The exhibition system can be easily dismantled and reused in new spatial formations.
The 3d printed elements were produced directly at the exhibition site, as it is located within the new Ljubljana maker and design hub, Center Rog. The design of 3d-printed 'knots' and 'stitches' is a result of careful conceptual, design and technological development. The shape of 'the knot' alludes to traditional binding of wooden structures, butterfly screws are added for fastening the knurled rebars from three directions together. The butterfly screws are again a contemporary interpretation of knotted endings of the binding string. The result is a seemingly fragile, but nevertheless sturdy structure. The fastening technique in combination with knurled surface of rebars enables a very simple production and assembly process. The rebars are cut to modular lengths and galvanized, with no additional holes or manipulation, as the surface of the rebar in combination with the knot and screws creates enough traction to become perfectly stable once assembled. This enables the elements of the structure to be reused in numerous formations, sizes and spaces.
We live in times, when questions of ecology are all-encompassing. Exhibition design, with its temporary character, has a duty to respond to questions of material resources and production of waste. The Semper system's answer to this is a carefully thougth-out reusable structure, that can respond to various situations and needs of the exhibits, thus reducing waste through a flexible, reusable system solution.
The system was initially designed with the possibility of presenting a number of various types of exhibited materials in mind. The work of internationally renowned architect and lecturer Boris Podrecca is varied in scale, medium of presentation, location etc. To accommodate this, the design envisioned a system that would enable the presentation of a wide range of material typologies. Even though the initial idea of presenting a wide range of content changed into a more linear, image-based presentation, the system was able to accommodate this change in curatorial direction.
The works in the exhibition are presented in the form of a Semperian spatial network incorporating the structural knotting and stitching that were fundamental concepts for one of Podrecca’s greatest inspirations, Gottfried Semper. The key elements of this structure – the 3D-printed joints ('knots') and poster holders ('stitches') designed as interpretations of Semper’s knots and stitches – have been made directly at the exhibition site by the Rog Centre maker lab. The structure allows the material to be mounted in a variety of ways, and then to be easily dismantled and reused in new spatial formations.
The exhibition system along with most of the content was built in just four days. This is due to a thoroughly thought-out modular building system which also includes several pre-made templates and modular rulers, which enable fast and hassle-free assembly.
The Semperian spatial network consist of structure, made from galvanized rebars in standardized lengths, which are held together by 3d-printed 'knots'. The spatial grid enables numerous ways of fastening materials into the structure. Posters, tables, objects etc. are held by 3d printed 'stitches', alluding to the act of weaving fabrics into the structure. Due to its flexible fastening system, the structure enables exhibiting of various types of materials - from posters, to original drawings, publications, models, videos, objects etc. The exhibition system can be easily dismantled and reused in new spatial formations.
The 3d printed elements were produced directly at the exhibition site, as it is located within the new Ljubljana maker and design hub, Center Rog. The design of 3d-printed 'knots' and 'stitches' is a result of careful conceptual, design and technological development. The shape of 'the knot' alludes to traditional binding of wooden structures, butterfly screws are added for fastening the knurled rebars from three directions together. The butterfly screws are again a contemporary interpretation of knotted endings of the binding string. The result is a seemingly fragile, but nevertheless sturdy structure. The fastening technique in combination with knurled surface of rebars enables a very simple production and assembly process. The rebars are cut to modular lengths and galvanized, with no additional holes or manipulation, as the surface of the rebar in combination with the knot and screws creates enough traction to become perfectly stable once assembled. This enables the elements of the structure to be reused in numerous formations, sizes and spaces.
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