SHENZHEN DESIGN WEEK 2019
Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Centre. 19-22 April 2019
MINIPLEX 1.2
Version 1.2, the third installation of Miniplex, was especially re-configured as an interior pavilion for the London Pavilion at the Shenzhen Design Week 2019, curated by the Chartered Society of Designers . The exhibition also contained a prototype of the aluminium version of Miniplex 2.0.
MINIPLEX is a modular system designed by Vlad Tenu, consisting of a single type of components: identical flat pieces that can be connected and re-combined, organically growing into very complex geometric structures. The modules can be made of a variety of materials and, through simple rules of symmetry, they can be assembled into an infinity of possible shapes, just like a Lego brick or a 3D puzzle. The system is born from the idea of an ever-changing piece of design that can be endlessly re-configured into different new arrangements and adapt to its context. The idea of a demountable system allows for the recycling and reuse of all the components.
MINIPLEX 1.0
Miniplex 1.0 is a prototypical edition which was initially supported, produced and installed by AHMM for City Centre’s Youth Programme 2017, an educational initiative in collaboration with City Centre London. The pavilion was installed in Paternoster Square and it was included in the itinerary of London Festival of Architecture 2017.
MINIPLEX 2.0
MINIPLEX 2.0 is the new evolved aluminium version of the same modular system and it was initially designed for a commissioned art piece for NCL Bliss, a cruise ship from Norwegian Cruise Lines. The showcased piece was created especially for PLUG-IN-TO-THE-FUTURE.Changing Approaches to Design at ARUP Phase2 Gallery in London 2018.
LONDON PAVILION
With the support of the Mayor of London, the London Pavilion at the Shenzhen Design Week 2019 was curated by the Chartered Society of Designers and included the participation of New London Architecture, the London Fashion District and London & Partners. Vlad Tenu was invited to exhibit as part of the London delegation, alongside a distinguished selection of architects, designers, engineers such as ARUP, Maynard Design, Nigel Coates, Studio Soufflé. The work showcased in the 1,500 sqm of space at the Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Centre included fashion, lighting, product design, graphics and way-finding as well as architecture and structural engineering.
The exhibition was also complemented by two days of lectures, presentations and panel discussions, as well as an official ceremony at the Museum of Contemporary Art & Urban Planning Shenzhen (MOCAPE). Vlad Tenu has given a lecture on modular systems and taken part of a series of panel discussions, alongside distinguished speakers such as Nigel Coates, Peter Murray, Julian Maynard, Julie Chapel, Addy Walcott and chaired by Frank Peters and Johnathon Strebly. Special thanks to Chartered Society of Designers, Frank Peters and Carmen Martinez-Lopez.
