Session 1. Introduction: program and course overview

This is a one-hour-only welcome session. The lecturer will introduce the program and participants will introduce themselves. No prior preparation is necessary. We will reflect on the relationships between art, the curatorial project and architecture through inspiring references.

You’ll get acquainted with:

• The course program and its goals
• The triple bond: art, curating, architecture

Session 2. Working with space: the practicalities

Understanding your venue’s technical issues, practical concerns, and key stakeholders is crucial to drafting a successful exhibition design proposal. This second session covers these fundamentals. You will learn space representation techniques and how to use an evaluation toolkit for assessing future architectural spaces.

You will explore:

• Key factors and players involved in the exhibition design process (institutions, curators, artists, architecture, audience, budget)
• How to survey and represent exhibition venues through technical drawing and modelling
• How to understand and evaluate space (floor, ceiling, structure, installations, etc.)
• The essentials of an evaluation toolkit and how to build your own

Session 3: Envisioning the concept: from inspiration to reality

In this session, you will learn how to translate the curatorial concept into a tangible exhibition design proposal: from creating a mood board to designing an exhibition pathway.

You will discover:

• A wide range of inspiring exhibition design references
• How to create mood boards
• What to include on a check-list: artists, artworks and media
• How to create a visitor journey through the layout
• Techniques for drafting the display concept by hand sketching and paper modelling

Session 4: Designing the experience: atmospheres and details

This session will delve into materials and technologies you can use to create a distinct exhibition experience. Discover the many design elements you can use to transform the space - from new architectural features to digital media.

You will consider the possibilities of:

• Interventions in the space (walls, furniture, etc.)
• New artwork commissions and installations that transform the space
• Materials (fabrics, paints, flooring, etc.)
• Light design: technical options and creating different atmospheres
• Acoustic and sound
• Digital media to enhance the visitor experience

Session 5: Prioritizing care: safety, accessibility and sustainability

In session 5, you will gain tools to ensure the space is accessible and safe for visitors. Additionally, you will learn the details of securing artworks and sustainable exhibition practices, such as reusing materials for new projects.

You will focus on:

• Guidelines and considerations for accessibility
• Protocols for the health and safety of visitors
• Security of the artworks: options for different art forms
• Considerations for a safe installation plan
• Circularity and eco-compatibility in exhibition design

Language
Classes are held in English.

Format & Modality
The course is fully online and taught live via Zoom in small, interactive groups to support active learning. Live captioning is available during the sessions.

Schedule
Live sessions take place every Tuesday from 7pm to 9pm (Berlin time, CEST).

Attendance
Live attendance is encouraged to get the most out of the course, but recordings are available if you cannot attend a session.

Course Materials
All course materials—including recordings, readings, and presentations—are available on the Node platform for as long as you wish.

Assignments
Optional assignments are included, with personal feedback from the lecturers to help you apply what you learn. Please note that feedback is provided only during the course dates.

Certificate
A downloadable certificate is available upon course completion.

Technical Requirements
A stable internet connection, a computer with a camera and microphone, and access to Zoom are required.

Questions?
Check our FAQ or contact us via our online form.