One of the most interesting challenges and boundaries in architectural design revolves around the conceptualization and design of ephemeral spaces. Ephemeral architecture is communication at its core—a spatial, three-dimensional format that drives and generates perceptions to connect with visitors and convey specific messages.
Naturally, the word "ephemeral" implies a finite lifespan, which introduces unique constraints across the entire development process of a project. This ranges from the initial concept and design phase, through the construction of the budgeted executive project agreed upon with the client, to its eventual disassembly and the recycling of its materials.
These are the reflections of Pere Ortega, an architect graduated from ETSAB with extensive professional experience at Saeta Estudi, the firm he co-founded with partner Elisabet Cantallops. Pere is also the Director of the Online Master in Ephemeral, Cultural, and Commercial Spaces at LABASAD—an online school with an in-person soul. Today, he shares his vision of what ephemeral space is and what it can offer us.
What is the importance of ephemeral space?
Ephemeral space gives form to multiple design and architectural "products", spanning different areas that are integral to our daily lives and highly relevant to the economy.
In the commercial and retail sector, it primarily focuses on the design of trade show stands and other projects such as specialized fairs, event design, pop-up stores, retail corners, and window displays. Meanwhile, in cultural contexts, the design of exhibition spaces and cultural installations of varying complexity is also closely linked to ephemeral design.
From a conceptual or even ideological standpoint, ephemeral spaces must align with the latest communication trends; they cannot afford to be anachronistic or outdated. They must meet rigorous standards of contemporaneity to successfully immerse the visitor or consumer in a modern, compelling language.
Why are ephemeral spaces relevant today?
From a practical and functional perspective, the production of ephemeral spaces in our society is remarkably high.
The entire family of potential cultural and commercial projects mentioned above creates a vast field of action and a strong market demand across all sectors involved in the design, construction, and management of these ephemeral installations.
There are environments where growing digitalization will never fully replace the direct experience of seeing, touching, and feeling a product in person. We still need and seek physical experiences to broaden and complete our understanding of things.
What variables must be considered in ephemeral spaces?
The most important are the communicative variable and the temporal factor, but other essential elements include lighting control and the conceptualization of applied graphics.
Regarding communication, it must be evocative and nuanced, steering clear of simple metaphors or childish, repetitive scenography. Having a visual imagery enriched by contemporary culture is fundamental. It works on the visitor's senses beyond just sight or touch; every detail matters, and controlling this totality is what makes a project unique and its message memorable.
When it comes to the temporal factor, we must address the project's lifespan, construction management, and future dismantling. This requires us to constantly rethink the systems and construction processes used to ensure their viability. The design process only ends when the space is left exactly as it was found.
We must also learn how to manage teams, communicate with clients, and direct other creatives (such as graphic and lighting designers) so that their specific knowledge and creativity enhance our initial concept. Knowing when each professional should step in during the project development is crucial. This is a complex process that must be carefully managed within a very limited timeframe.
Why is it worth learning about and studying ephemeral spaces?
Ephemeral design engages deeply with contemporary communication, providing highly appealing, free, and unexpected creative opportunities.
Conceptualizing an ephemeral space has its rules, but it also offers endless creative opportunities. Since we design and shape the visitor's perception, we can devise projects with maximum formal or experiential radicalism. Functionality is still necessary, but it is not expressed through conventional construction materials.
At the same time, from a practical standpoint, the career opportunities are both diverse and exciting. Ephemeral space design is a sector where you can specialize as a creative by establishing your own studio or brand. There are also specialized construction companies that focus on cultural or commercial ephemeral spaces, which feature in-house design teams offering great job prospects.
Finally, major cultural and social institutions frequently manage ephemeral productions across various scales and formats, requiring professionals who understand the rules of the game to direct the design teams involved.
All of this can be acquired through the Online Master in Ephemeral, Cultural, and Commercial Spaces at LABASAD.
How is LABASAD's Online Master in Ephemeral, Cultural, and Commercial Spaces structured?
The Master's program offers a comprehensive theoretical and practical journey through all the areas necessary to understand the development of an ephemeral space project, from the initial concept to its final disassembly after execution. The curriculum is structured into four main content blocks.
The first block establishes a historical and conceptual framework for ephemeral space design, introducing students to key case studies in modern history. It demonstrates how designing these spaces presents a perceptual challenge when crafting visitor interaction, connecting with contemporary art, strategies, and current trends.
The second block examines the different existing typologies of ephemeral spaces, detailing their similarities and unique characteristics. After identifying the two primary cultural and commercial categories, students study their distinct formats and boundaries, along with general concepts applicable to any format.
The third block focuses on the technical aspects and defines the roles of the other key creative teams involved: lighting and graphic design (exhibition graphics, promotional materials, multimedia, apps, etc.). It covers everything related to the materialization of an ephemeral space project, including pre-production, assembly, construction details, and key specifications.
The final block is the Master's Thesis Project. Its underlying objective is for students to apply what they have learned, solidifying theoretical content in a practical exercise. Over eight weeks, students develop a complex project, allowing each person to address specific problems and scenarios alongside their peers.
We invite you to take a look at the Online Master in Ephemeral, Cultural, and Commercial Spaces at LABASAD, directed by Pere Ortega. As he notes, the program's content will help you master ephemeral projects; without it, they are likely to master you—at least at the start of the project.
For more information, visit the LABASAD website or email info@labasad.com.
This article was written by Sponsored Post. The translation is powered by AI.
