Lithuanian pavilions at Leipzig Book Fair

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IDEA

 

The term “gradient” [Lat. gradiens (from gradientis): one who is going, walking, marching], which refers to a vector in mathematics, is used here to represent a certain process, perspective or action. The Lithuanian stand invites visitors to participate in engaging activities and to travel together.

 

CONCEPT / STAND ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN

 

The horizontal and vertical surfaces of the stands are painted in a color gradient ranging from gray to pure white.

The gradient serves as an architectural instrument for conveying the idea of modernization, which is to be the principal theme of the stand, whereas the arrangement of the stands in three-dimensional space mimics the shape of a train and creates a dynamic atmosphere. 

 

It is important to note that the stands, which gradually and consistently brighten in one direction, are comprised of small elements: namely, the book clusters. Each clusters is meant to be seen as a minor narrative, whether taken separately or in combination with the others. Together, the clusters offer one a retrospective look at the past century. 

The minimalist aesthetics of the stands and the contained, concentrated lighting highlight the fact that the most important role is played by the agent (or viewer) as he or she travels, and, most crucially, acts. The clusters can be closed to form a graphic guide that takes the visitor on a journey through time, familiarizing him or her with different subjects, genres, and authors. The moment a visitor notices something of interest and stops to open the shelf and select a book, to read the annotation, the title, the author’s name, a natural connection is born between the reader and the book and an intrigue begins to unfold. Rather than being straightforward, this connection is based on shared experience. The closable clusters give the stands an interactive and dynamic quality and serve to lure in visitors.

While the shelves are closed, the words "Fortsetzung folgt ..." [ "The story continues…"] can be seen on the outer wall of the stand. 

The design uses graphics and shapes that correspond to the style of the brand associated with the Lithuanian stand. However, instead of using the colors of the Lithuanian flag, the authors chose a monochrome layout, since the national aspect was to be reflected in the content, rather than in the shape or color, and left for the viewer to discover.  

 

THE LITERARY [NATIONAL] STAND

 

The literary stand occupies 140 sq.m. and is subdivided into several functional areas for expositions, visitors, meetings and staff [storage].

The areas for visitors and meetings are multi-purpose, moveable, arranged so as to permit a wide range of activities [the visitor area can be easily modified to host various events, while the meeting area may be used for conferences and lectures]. The area for meetings is to be situated in the mezzanine, where it will be removed from the main flow of people. A room of 25 sq.m. for staff and storage has been designed underneath the mezzanine.

 

THE CREATIVE STAND

 

The creative stand occupies 42 sq.m. and is subdivided into functional areas for workshops, expositions and reading area, as well as an auxiliary [storage] area. The creative workshop area consists of portable, convertible furniture that can be re-arranged depending on the number of people or the subject of the workshop. Although the workshops allow for no more than 12 participants at a time, they can be observed from the reading area.

 

SOLUTIONS

 

The stands were designed to be safe and convenient for the staff as well as for the visitors, and to be suitable for diverse age and social groups. Since the stands are to include a considerable number of mobile solutions, their design provides for adjustable lighting, which can be modified to fit each individual scenario. The concept of the stand structure is flexible and may be altered depending on the circumstances, for instance, if there are any changes to the number of books or publications, if the program is corrected or additional content is introduced. The frame for the stands consists of metal and wooden constructions.

The front parts are to include painted wooden plates and furniture panels. The sustainability and environmental aspect have also been taken into consideration; the stands are planned to manufacture without the use of pollutants such as plastic or PVC, and many of their elements can be reused after the end of the fair [the walls of the exposition, the amphitheater, the furniture].