GALLERY + RECEPTION
International Institute

The reception / exhibition space for the University of Michigan’s International Institute found its inspiration in the steamer trunks of a era when travel was an event. The project is an exploration into the possibility of furniture operating at an architectural scale. The steamer trunk becomes wall, door, and window. The continuous wall of the gallery space encloses a simple rectangular volume and unfolds at various points to allow access to its interior. The changing positions of the wall have the ability to both define rooms as well as deny any fixed boundaries within the space. Gallery / display space and storage are provided within the interior of the folding panels, allowing the temporary exhibits to be folded up and secured each day.

Designed and fabricated by PLY.