Temporary. Structures of Necessity

The exhibition Temporary. Structures of Necessity focuses on essential yet frequently overlooked parts of our urban infrastructure that keep countless processes running: from construction, demolition, maintenance, and wayfinding to protection and security. “Labelled” as transitory, they blend into their surroundings and often remain below the threshold of perception. The exhibition makes this necessary background visible.

The fascination with transient utilitarian structures has accompanied the members of KOSMOS Architects since their student days. This passion led to research that seriously regards the temporary as a distinct architectural category.

What can we learn from temporary structures? Conventional building methods are often too slow to respond flexibly to shifting challenges. Ephemeral constructions arise from specific needs. They are functional, quickly available, and designed for easy assembly, adaptation, and dismantling. This is precisely where their value lies: They respond immediately to change and reveal what is truly crucial in a situation. As snapshots of reality, they directly reflect societal demands—and serve as a laboratory for an architecture learning to newly engage with resources, time, and conditions.

Concept and design: KOSMOS Architects / Project Management Az W: Katharina Ritter.

*Image above: During the Kumbh Mela, the world's largest religious festival, pontoon bridges in Prayagraj (IN) help manage the flow of millions of pilgrims.