When Schüco asked for another Grid2Shell exhibit for BAU 2023, we already had some experience with the product. The request this time was for more simplicity and repetition because the exhibit would need to be built up and taken down quickly for the fair, and it should create a memorable entrance and ‘Instagram moment’ for the fair stand. After a couple of ideas, we settled on a hyperbolic paraboloid or saddle surface for the basic shape. It could be a ruled surface, so easily designed, built, and understandable to the general visitor. And the repetition will ease the production and assembly processes. The only question was how to exaggerate the shape and its quality as an entrance: should it be stretched or twisted or simply tilted?

All it took was an 11-degree tilt. The slight lean back animates the form setting it slightly off kilter and opening it up to the rest of the fair hall. The imbalance of the shape and twisting of the triangulated pattern does not overwhelm the visitor, but maybe keeps them moving through. For the people that wanted to rest or take an instagrammable selfie, there were a couple of benches with plants under the exhibit. In the end it works. It made a perfectly grand entrance and people had to wait in line for chance for a #G2S selfie.  

Keep checking back to see where the Grid2Shell exhibit may be installed next…