Exhibition Design for the Pavilion at Moscow Fashion Week

Our task was to capture the idea of what the fashion of the future looks like. We envisioned it as a fusion of technology and experimentation. The event was held in the Robostation Pavilion, originally built in the 1950s and once called “Science” and “Cosmos.” We contrasted its colonnades and classical plasterwork with futuristic objects and raw, industrial materials. This deliberate collision of styles created a cyberpunk aesthetic, highlighting the dichotomy of past and future.

The reception area, being a spacious hall filled with natural light from clerestory windows, became a focal point. Here, we designed a glossy black stele-installation with embedded screens. Against the light-filled hall, this object introduced a sense of spatial rupture. A long “infinite” reception desk, clad in dark mirrored surfaces, amplified the effect.

The exhibition hall itself was designed with flexibility in mind, as the list of participants was not confirmed in advance. We created universal modules being illuminated niches for designers’ installations. Each contained “portholes,” which could be adapted for showcasing media content.

The main material defining the visual language of the exhibition was corrugated steel. Its intentionally coarse form contrasted with the neoclassical plasterwork and colonnade. The reflective metallic surfaces refracted light and added visual depth. Vertical steel panels paired with vertical lighting fixtures created a strong rhythmic structure.

Since the Robotics Pavilion is an active exhibition space, we were not allowed to move existing exhibits. Our design gently integrated corrugated steel sheets, curving around and partially concealing the permanent displays.

Another challenge was creating a multifunctional space for discussions, lectures, and podcast recordings. We developed a modular stage with tailored lighting scenarios for different formats. Because the pavilion is normally filled with natural light, we designed enclosed, light-controlled zones within the space for immersive media installations.

The photo zone became one of the most popular attractions of the exhibition. We suggested covering it with industrial metallized foil which is a bold, textured element that generates dynamic reflections and playful distortions of light, providing a vibrant backdrop for visitors’ photos.