Power Station Configurator by atelier anonymous

A Transformative Modular Exhibition Space at Power Station of Art, Shanghai

Atelier anonymous presents the Power Station Configurator, a modular exhibition installation that transforms the riverside platform of the iconic Power Station of Art in Shanghai into a dynamic and flexible arena for contemporary craftsmanship. Situated within a 140 m² space, the project reimagines exhibition design through a modular scaffolding system that is both architectural and performative in nature.

This intervention marks the second chapter of the House of Craft series—titled "Ten Woodworks, One Glance"—curated with a focus on the themes of Settle, Dwell, Relax, and Traverse. Through a dialogue between industrial scaffolding structures and handcrafted wooden objects, the installation blurs the line between display and dwelling, between structure and object.

Adaptive Spatial Logic and Exhibition Strategy

Facing the Huangpu River, the narrow triangular platform is subdivided into smaller zones using steel scaffolding modules. These mobile units are wrapped in adjustable curtains on all sides, enabling the formation of enclosed, semi-open, or completely transparent spaces depending on curatorial needs. This flexibility allows for a seamless adaptation to varying exhibit scales and seasonal curatorial shifts.

Inside each module, a custom-designed wooden display system provides intimate niches for showcasing diverse craft objects—ranging from Ming dynasty furniture to contemporary woodworking experiments—through a multisensory mix of text, image, and video. The result is a tactile and visual narrative of contemporary Chinese craftsmanship, embedded within an adaptable architectural frame.

Material Dialogue: Steel, Wood, and Galvanized Iron

A compelling material contrast defines the project’s character. The rigidity of industrial scaffolding is juxtaposed with the softness and warmth of wood, while galvanized iron sheets act as mediators—folded and suspended to create lightweight shelves and display volumes. This tri-material dialogue references origami—a nod to shared artisanal traditions in China and Japan—and introduces a poetic element of folding, layering, and transformation.

Chapter II: Ten Woodworks, One Glance

Each zone of the exhibition corresponds to a spatial condition derived from the themes:

• Settle: A Sugong-style table bridges two levels, abstracting domestic thresholds.
• Dwell: An angled path leads the viewer into diagonally placed partitions, reinterpreting living space as dynamic and non-linear.
• Relax: A suspended Ming-style armchair hovers delicately, observable from all angles, showcasing craftsmanship as an object of contemplation.
• Traverse: A decomposed incense box is enclosed within origami-folded iron sheets, merging tactile materiality with ephemeral memory.

The installation redefines how design can activate public space, transforming a former industrial void into a participatory, living museum for Chinese artisanal legacy.

The Power Station Configurator serves not only as a venue for exhibition but as an evolving architectural system—a configurator in its own right. It reflects on the legacy of industry, the spirit of craftsmanship, and the importance of adaptable, inclusive design in the context of urban regeneration. By bringing together designers, artisans, and the public on a single modular stage, atelier anonymous reaffirms the social potential of spatial storytelling.

All Photographs are works of STUDIO FANG