an insight into herzog & de meuron's 40-year architectural journey at london's RA exhibition

Herzog & de Meuron exhibition at Royal Academy of Arts, London

The upcoming exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts in London invites visitors to take a look at Herzog & de Meuron’s extensive collection of projects. Running from 14 July to 15 October 2023, the exhibition will host 400 objects from their design process, marking their return to London after almost twenty years. Developed in collaboration with the architects themselves, the exhibit aims to offer visitors an understanding of their innovative thinking, showcasing various projects that have transformed cities worldwide over the past 40 years. Visitors will also have the chance to explore various working methods, materials, and technologies employed by Herzog & de Meuron, gaining a better knowledge of the studio’s creative approach and evolution throughout the years.

Regardless of the project’s nature, whether it involves designing car parks, clinics, or cultural centers, the firm’s main objective is to redefine the concept of a building. They prioritize meeting the users’ needs, creating spaces that foster social interaction, and enhance human experiences. Highlights include the Tate Modern (2000 and 2016), Elbphilharmonie Hamburg (2016), REHAB Basel (2002 and 2020), M+ Hong Kong (2021), the Royal College of Art (2022), and the upcoming completion of Kinderspital Zürich in 2024.

Elbphilharmonie Hamburg © Herzog & de Meuron, photo © Iwan Baan

behind the scenes of architectural practice Herzog & de Meuron

Organized by the Royal Academy of Arts (see more here) in London, in collaboration with Herzog & de Meuron (see more here), the exhibition will be divided into three interconnected spaces, taking visitors on an architectural journey. The initial space will feature a section of H&dM’s Kabinett, an open archive of models, prototypes, and drawings alongside collections of art and photography. This section provides insight into the ideas and processes behind the studio’s key buildings, spanning from early projects to ongoing developments. To enhance the exhibition experience, visitors can utilize an augmented reality (AR) app specifically designed for this event, enabling them to explore projects from the firm’s archive.

The second space is dedicated to a film screening. A large display will showcase Beka & Lemoine‘s latest documentary film, which delves into their REHAB project for Neurorehabilitation and Paraplegiology in Basel, Switzerland. The final space focuses on healing architecture and centers around a specific ongoing project, the Kinderspital Zürich, a pioneering children’s hospital in Switzerland, which also won an international competition in 2012. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the studio’s latest furniture designs, walk through life-sized architectural mock-ups, and utilize augmented reality to experience forthcoming projects.