Platform of Used Materials: Reuse of exhibition and other temporary structures in culture

Cultural institutions produce numerous exhibition structures, stage designs, and other temporary structures from various materials, which, after the completion of exhibitions or events, end up as waste or stored away without the possibility of reuse. Despite the environmental crisis, the cultural sector lacks clearly defined commitments to the sustainable design of temporary structures and has not yet established methodologies for the circular use of these materials and elements. The Platform of Used Materials project develops a methodology for categorising materials and a platform for their borrowing and reuse. The pilot project takes place at the MAO and tests scenarios for the broader implementation of the management of materials and elements of temporary structures within the cultural sector.

The installation Materials, Elements, Prototypes for the first time publicly presents categorised materials and elements from the museum’s depot. These served as the basis for a three-week workshop for students from the Faculty of Architecture, who developed prototypes of exhibition structures from discarded materials. The workshop tested guidelines for the design of temporary structures, such as modularity, the use of standard dimensions and elements, simple assembly, and reversible fastening methods, with the aim of dismantling the structures after use and reusing them as resources for new spatial interventions.

The platform addresses the question of how culture can contribute to sustainable and socially responsible use of materials and resources. It not only encourages the transition from single-use to circulation but also a shift from individual to collective practices, and from continuous production of something new to maintenance and care, thereby emphasising the social, cultural, and ecological intertwining as the foundation of the green transition.

Colophon

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Project leader: Maja Vardjan

Project team: Žan Kobal, Tamara Lasič Jurković, Barbara Predan, Pekinpah Association

Graphic design: AA – Anja Delbello, Aljaž Vesel

Application of graphic design at the exhibition: Žan Kobal, Tamara Lasič Jurković

Expert Collaborator: Jan Kozinc

Project coordinator: Blažka Kirm

Exhibition layout: Jan Kozinc, Manca Košir

Photography: Klemen Ilovar

Language editing: Katja Paladin

Translation: Nika Skok Petranovič

Public relations: Maša Špiler, Manca Košir

Technical implementation: Jan Chen, Tine Drašak, Tadej Golob, David Požegar, Matjaž Rozina, Martin Tomažič, Peter Žiberna

Workshop

Workshop organised by: Perović/Vidic Seminar, Faculty of Architecture, University of Ljubljana

Guest Mentors:Jure Grohar, Matic Vrabič

Graphic design of presentation sheets: Anja Vidic

Students: Iza Brinjevec, Uroš Figar, Tia Grbić, Tinkara Jenko, Zala Kajzer, Tina Krebelj, Nina Kresnik, Vesna Matelič, Vilma Matošić, Marija Mihatov, Gaja Mikec, Isa Silvana Milovanović, Ana Mišič, Eva Mlakar, Lana Mohar Klara Mužić, Val Naglič, Tomaž Ogrič, Ana Omejc, Ljubica Petrović, Neža Pšeničnik, Vid Milisav Ribarić, Emil Smlatić, Pia Tavčar, Gal Zakšek, Ruby Žagar Potočnik

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The green transition in culture is supported by:

Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Slovenia and Ministry of the Environment, Climate and Energy