Design for disassembly and cultural sites. The use of modular architecture and prefabrication in exhibition venues

Giuseppe Resta; Samuel Gonçalves

doi:10.4995/vitruvio-ijats.2024.21442

Authors

Giuseppe Resta Universidade do Porto https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8489-5291
Samuel Gonçalves Universidade do Porto

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4995/vitruvio-ijats.2024.21442

Keywords:

modular architecture, prefabrication, Portugal, exhibition design, concrete, design for disassembly

Abstract

The article discusses the use of modular architecture and prefabrication in exhibition venues, looking at the possibility of designing installations with multiple temporalities. Through four concrete experimentations, we discuss ways of repurposing precast modules in new layouts with different functional programs in line with the “design for disassembly” concept. The article also emphasises the relevance of the massive residential construction programme based on modular and prefabricated systems launched by the German Democratic Republic in the mid-1970s, and the importance of reducing the environmental impact of concrete production today. Moreover, aiming at the need to devise new strategies, it presents a research agenda towards the adoption of prefabricated modules or the cultural sector. The four cases presented here are derived from the experimental use of modular solutions by the Porto-based practice SUMMARY: the GOMOS system indicates that prefabricated modules may have a longer lifespan than traditional building layouts, as they can be repurposed, making their reuse economically viable and environmentally friendly; the “Infrastructure-Structure-Architecture” installation at La Biennale 2016 reflects on possible adjustments in the construction industry; the project for the 2018 YAP MAXXI showcases the design process of a temporary installation that becomes a permanent building; and the VR exhibition “The Reasons Offsite” addresses prefabrication as a portable dissemination project.

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Author Biographies

Giuseppe Resta, Universidade do Porto

Giuseppe Resta is a Researcher at the Faculdade de Arquitectura da Universidade do Porto (PORTofCALL project). He previously held teaching positions at Yeditepe University, Istanbul (2021-23) and Bilkent University, Ankara, TR (2019-21) as an assistant professor, at Politecnico di Bari, Bari, IT (2019) as an adjunct professor, and at Polis University, Tirana, AL (2017) as lecturer. Resta received his Ph.D. in architecture from Università degli Studi RomaTRE, Roma, IT (2017) and his M.Arch from Politecnico di Bari, Bari, IT (2013). He is the owner and curator of Antilia Gallery (IT) and co-founder of the architecture think tank PROFFERLO Architecture (IT-UK). Resta has been architecture editor at Artwort Magazine and Artwort.com. His work has been published in architectural journals such as The Plan Journal, STUDIO, FAM, Architecture and Urban Planning, CIDADES. His latest monographic books are “Journey to Albania: Architectures, expeditions and landscapes of tourism” (Accademia University Press, 2022) and “Jean-Christophe Quinton. A few houses and shelters 2002-2021” (Libria, 2021). Resta was a co-leader of the COST Action CA18126 "Writing Urban Places".

Samuel Gonçalves, Universidade do Porto

SUMMARY Architecture; Faculdade de Arquitectura, Universidade do Porto; Department of Architecture, TUDelft, Portugal

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