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Beeline: A Temporary Installation That Maximizes the Function of the Museum

Anabata Media · September 23rd, 2022
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In 2021, New York-based architecture and design studio SO-IL designed the Beeline installation, an architectural intervention made of semi-transparent stretch fabric layers. The temporary installation was built to celebrate the reopening of the Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology (MAAT) in Lisbon after being closed for two months due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Beeline: A Temporary Installation That Maximizes the Function of the Museu(Beeline is an architectural intervention that occupies the MAAT building)

Tim explained that Beeline is a form of architectural interference that can trigger visitors' perceptions of time and space. The opinion was expressed in real terms through the design of a new access point to the museum, which previously had only one entrance facing the waterfront. In addition, the team created a temporary 'secret' entrance at the back of the museum overlooking the city to connect the city to the waterfront behind the museum.

Beeline: A Temporary Installation That Maximizes the Function of the Museum(Beeline entrance)

"This movement is not only changing the way visitors enter and experience museums but the way people experience the city in general; the shortcut through the institution will connect the new access point to the waterfront side directly," so-IL explained regarding the purpose of the museum's new entrance design.

Beeline: A Temporary Installation That Maximizes the Function of the Museum(Beeline turns museums into landscapes of encounters between people, ideas, and conversations)

SO-IL designed the Beeline installation with a visual shape like a white ferry docking. This two-story installation is built using an iron structure and wrapped in a semi-transparent white stretch cloth. To access both floors, SO-IL placed a circular iron staircase in the inner area of the installation. According to the team, the spiral staircase is suitable for installation space with a limited area because of its slim shape, so it can save space.

Beeline: A Temporary Installation That Maximizes the Function of the Museum(Visitors can look outside and inside the installation thanks to the presence of semi-transparent stretch fabric)

Inside the smooth walls, a yellow-colored path constructed by an iron structure is designed in a circle to frame the gathering space at the heart of the installation. Upstairs is an auditorium that can be used for a series of public events organized by the institution, MAAT Mode. The event discussed society's culture in the modern era and the importance of redesigning the museum for the future. 

Beeline: A Temporary Installation That Maximizes the Function of the Museum(An elevated path connects to the heart of the installation located inside the elliptical gallery)

Beeline: A Temporary Installation That Maximizes the Function of the Museum(The top of the structure serves as a small auditorium for MAATMode events)

SO-IL designed hammocks and transparent trampolines inside a lifeboat to complete the installation function. A video room also adds to Beeline's functionality to educate or become a means of entertainment.

Overall, Beeline has transformed the museum's interior into a series of walkways with fun interactive areas and an exhibition area bordered by semi-transparent white stretch cloth partitions. Thus, architectural interventions are not only carried out by SO-IL to change the appearance of the museum but also to maximize its function.

Beeline: A Temporary Installation That Maximizes the Function of the Museum(Children's play area)

Beeline: A Temporary Installation That Maximizes the Function of the Museum(The lifeboat inside the installation is a small play area for children)

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Design · Installation ·