Exploring fairland. Urbanity and architecture of art fairs

Exploring Fairland investigates the phenomenon of art fairs from a spatial point of view and with the tools that belong to architecture and built environment. The research project starts with a collection of interviews that aim to construct an inclusive image of the art fair from the outlooks of different professional figures that have to deal with it on a regular base. The chapters to follow analyse both the urban nature of the fair, its layout and territory, and the feature of displaying art inside the booths. An horizontal attention is given to the political and social dynamics interconnected with specific spatial details addressing permeability, inclusivity, exclusivity and segregation. The aim is to understand the event as a complex built relational stage, switching focus from the impact of the fair on the city to the booths ephemeral projects. The spatial analysis is carried out researching Art Basel Basel, Art Basel Miami Beach, Art Basel Hong Kong, Frieze London, Frieze New York and Fiac Paris. Three major Italian contemporary art galleries, Alfonso Artiaco, Massimo De Carlo and Lia Rumma provided the documents to carry out a comprehensive analysis of the spaces with their material and immaterial features. Spatiality is investigated through maps, plans, perspective drawings, details, images and direct experience of art insiders.

Exploring Fairland indaga il fenomeno delle fiere d'arte dal punto di vista spaziale e con gli strumenti che appartengono all'architettura e all'ambiente costruito. Il progetto inizia con una raccolta idi interviste che mirano a costruire un'immagine inclusiva della fiera d'arte da punti di vista di diverse figure professionali. Verrà analizzata la struttura urbana della fiera e la progettualità degli stand con particolare attenzione alle dinamiche sociali, politiche ed economiche interconnesse. (...)