The large-scale architectural exhibition that highlights the essence of MVRDV’s design philosophy—titled “Architecture Speaks: The Language of MVRDV”—is now open at the Tyrolean Architecture Center (aut) in Innsbruck, Austria. The exhibition features four tower-like installations set up in a space that used to be a brewery. These installations illustrate four recurring design principles found in MVRDV’s projects, each linked to a unique term characteristic of MVRDV: “stack,” “pixel,” “village,” and “activator.” These towers serve as the backbone of the exhibition, displaying iconic projects from MVRDV’s history, present works, and future visions. Each project reflects one of these four key terms that encapsulate MVRDV’s methodology and core values. The introduction to the exhibition delves into how MVRDV employs its design language across projects while also highlighting the importance of these concepts from both social and environmental perspectives for fulfilling their mission.
“For us, this exhibition is not just about presenting MVRDV’s viewpoints to the public; it also enriches some of our most crucial ideas,” stated Nathalie de Vries, co-founder and curator at MVRDV. “By distilling the core of these four concepts, we aim to demonstrate how they steer MVRDV’s daring, surprising, and socially responsible designs. While creating a skyline filled with skyscrapers is an easy task for us, we firmly believe that the four concepts highlighted in this exhibition are fundamental approaches for shaping the future.”
“Stacking” tower installation exemplifies MVRDV’s commitment to density and vertical functional integration. This structure comprises four stacked circular volumes, each constructed from yellow curtains, reaching a height of over two stories. The upper level showcases models of MVRDV projects, while the “model playroom” on the lower level allows visitors to craft their own stacking designs using blue foam boards.
The “Pixel” tower installation consists of hundreds of bright pink cardboard boxes, some displaying images and brief descriptions of MVRDV’s projects. These small boxes, or “pixels,” address the need for flexible and diverse spaces in design. At the base of this three-story-high structure, visitors can step inside to experience its hollow interior. On other floors of the exhibition space, guests can peek into the installation’s internal framework through gaps where “missing” pixels are located.
MVRDV was established in 1993 in Rotterdam, Netherlands by Winy Maas, Jacob van Rijs, and Nathalie de Vries. The firm focuses on innovative solutions for modern urban planning and architectural design worldwide. Notable completed projects include the Dutch Pavilion at Expo 2000 in Hannover, Markthal in Rotterdam, Tianjin Binhai Library, Chanel Crystal House, and Bulgari’s flagship store in Kuala Lumpur. MVRDV’s projects span globally and have earned numerous international accolades. Additionally, MVRDV partners with Delft University of Technology to operate The Why Factory, a think-tank dedicated to exploring future urban planning and architecture.
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