Die Dimension der Fläche
Goethe-Institut

Die Dimension der Fläche

The traveling exhibition “The Dimension of the Surface” presents around 150 works of contemporary graphic design and transforms its transport containers into a mutable architecture in their own right.

“The Dimension of the Surface” is a captivating touring exhibition conceived as a profound homage to contemporary German graphic design. Around 150 meticulously curated exhibits—including numerous precious original works—unfold a vibrant panorama of a discipline rich in tradition yet constantly reinventing itself. The showcase elegantly bridges the gap from masterfully crafted typography and pioneering corporate design to visionary digital media and sophisticated orientation and signage systems.

Commissioned by the Goethe-Institut, this high-caliber collection embarks on a five-year global odyssey, weaving creative bridges across continents. The true design stroke of genius lies in its radical symbiosis of logistics and aesthetics: the heavy-duty, robust shipping containers are far more than mere vessels—they transform upon arrival into spectacular exhibition architecture. Packaging becomes space; logistics becomes art.

The setup unfolds with effortless grace: the containers are rolled into place, the lids removed, and within moments, the entire scenery blossoms. A profound commitment to sustainability comes alive here, as additional packaging waste or cumbersome transport materials are entirely non-existent. Every single component of the container finds a new purpose; even the protective lids seamlessly transform into elegant, informative display panels once opened.

The true treasures of the exhibition—exquisite posters, elaborately designed brochures, and intricate printed matter—rest safely cradled within custom-built, secure drawers and seamlessly integrated glass showcases inside the containers. This playful element of concealment and discovery sparks the joyful curiosity of the audience: pulling open the drawers becomes an interactive act, lifting visitors out of passive spectatorship and transforming them into active explorers in the fascinating realm of visual communication.

Client
Goethe-Institut Munich
Location
worldwide
Type
Travelling Exhibition
Services
Creative concept, exhibition design, graphic design, implementation
Team
Felix Herten, Matthias Abdank, Dominik Mycielksi, Stefan Nowak
Photos
© nowakteufelknyrim