Pelkonen-Eeva-Liisa_Exhibit A_Foreword_Introduction

Exhibit A: Exhibitions That Transformed Architecture 1948-2000

Author and Contributors

• Author: Eeva-Liisa Pelkonen

• Contributors:

  • Ljiljana Blagojevic

  • Eva Bransome

  • Paula Burleigh

  • Thomas Daniell

  • Maarten Delbeke

  • Martin Hartung

  • Claire Jamieson

  • Andres Kurg

  • Simon Sadler

  • Martino Stierli

  • Léa Catherine Szacka

Contents Overview

• Foreword: Pages 6-8

• Historical Context:

  • Toward the Post-World War II Exhibition Moment - Page 5

  • Chronology of Exhibitions from 1948-2000 (Detailed listings on pages ranging from 24 to 286)

  • The decades covered are:

    • 1948-1959

    • 1960-1969

    • 1970-1979

    • 1980-1989

    • 1990-2000

• Index: Page 281

• Bibliography: Page 286

Post-World-War II Exhibition Moment

• Importance of Exhibitions:

  • Exhibitions played a crucial role in shaping architecture, especially in the context of significant architectural movements post-war.

  • Architecture became a mass medium through exhibitions reaching larger audiences.

  • Curators helped define movements like Modernism, introducing its formal characteristics to a broader audience.

• Impact of Notable Exhibitions:

  • The Modern Architecture: International Exhibition at MoMA in 1932 is cited as pivotal in establishing the International Style.

  • Individual exhibitions helped cement the work of Modern Masters, like Frank Lloyd Wright and Le Corbusier, promoting their architectural ideologies effectively.

• Evolving Medium:

  • Exhibitions transformed from showcasing built works to engaging broader societal questions and concerns about architecture and living environments.

  • Emphasis shifted towards immersive experiences combining various media (photo, audiovisual) over static displays.

Transformational Role of Exhibitions

• Architecture as a Visual and Experiential Medium:

  • Modern exhibitions focused on the emotional and psychological impact on visitors and the critique of architectural ideologies.

  • Display methods evolved to highlight interactions between viewers and space, exploring the phenomenological experience of architecture.

• Political Influences:

  • Many post-war exhibitions carried political messages, showcasing architecture as a tool for social change or national identity.

  • Integral to public discussions regarding urban reconstruction and the implications of architecture on society post-war.

Chronology Highlights

• Key Exhibitions and Their Contribution:

  • A series of exhibitions from the 1960s onward showcased architectural ideas through visual culture, merging art, philosophy, and social issues.

  • Examples like the 1964 Milan Triennale emphasized contemporary societal conditions, reflecting on urban changes and audience engagement in discussions.

• Evolution of Exhibition Practices:

  • Shift from formal presentation to participatory experiences where visitors construct personal meanings.

  • The medium of exhibitions itself became a subject for exploration and critique, questioning traditional views of architecture's role in society.