UHUR

UHUR in Vienna, Austria by pool Architektur

This installation in a long corridor of the ZOOM Kindermuseum in Vienna by pool Architektur at first glance appears to be, well, nothing at all. Blank wall panels seem to float above a wood floor, below a vaulted ceiling, and across from a continuous glass wall. The white walls appear to awaiting artwork, something to give them purpose.

In their open position, the intervention's purpose becomes apparent. The walls are in fact deep storage units that swing open to create a series of rooms with articles on display and for sale. Additionally, once open, another wall surface is revealed, a mirrored wall opposite the glass wall that adds depth to the corridor and "doubles" the inventory.

While much of the displays are relatively straightforward, large niches allow for interaction with the storage units and an extension of the cell-like space into its neighbor. And for those who think that floor space is wasted -- an important consideration when selling wares -- pieces and goods can be brought out of the storage units and into the spaces.

This design is a playful concept ripe with meaning and potential. Perhaps most importantly it creates a situation whereby consumerism isn't always present; it "goes to sleep" when the store is hinged into the closed position. The design allows the space to be used for other purposes when the units are closed, perhaps for social events or even roller skating, which the corridor looks geared for. Lastly, the panels could even be kept in a semi-open position, creating directional spaces that leave the corridor free for other uses, a two-at-once situation that a typical retail installation would not allow.