Ephemeral Architecture: Design Temporary Spaces
A course by Diogo AguiarArchitect
A course by Diogo Aguiar, Architect
Learn to ideate and develop an architectural project by exploring the material and sensory qualities of a temporary space
Ephemeral architecture is the creation of temporary spaces, and its transitory nature can make it the perfect medium for experimentation and finding innovative solutions. Architect Diogo Aguiar, two-time winner of the ArchDaily Building of The Year Award and listed among the Young Talents in Portuguese Architecture (Jovens talentos da Arquitetura Portuguesa), specializes in building spaces that, although temporary, have a lasting impact on anyone who sees them.
In this course, learn to ideate and develop ephemeral architecture spaces. With Diogo as your guide, explore shapes and materials and learn to develop projects that awaken all five senses.
What will you learn in this online course?
15 lessons & 27 downloads
What is ephemeral architecture?
9 minutes, 35 seconds
What is an ephemeral museum?
17 minutes, 30 seconds
The Garden Pavilion
6 minutes, 9 seconds
container and content
7 minutes, 40 seconds
container and context
10 minutes, 19 seconds
think about the experience
10 minutes, 52 seconds
What's included in this course?
Start by getting to know your teacher, Diogo Aguiar. He talks about his career so far and shares some of his main works and biggest inspirations within the world of both art and architecture.
Explore what ephemeral architecture is by looking at some examples of temporary museums and take a closer look at the course's reference project, Garden Pavilion, created by Diogo himself for the Museu de Serralves. Discover the importance of relating surroundings, context, and content: how the exhibition space speaks to the pieces within it as well as the context of the space itself.
Now is the moment when your project really starts to take shape. Draw a floor plan for your space and then convert it into either a scale model or 3D digital model. To help you with this process, study some basic geometric and spatial principals as well as the power of empty space. Then explore possible materials and what each has to offer an ephemeral space from a sensory perspective.
Finally, Diogo clarifies what you need to take into account to make sure an architectural project is viable and the best ways to communicate your ideas. Now you have new tools to sharpen your imagination and curate spaces that awaken all five senses.
What is this course's project?
Design an architectural project for an ephemeral museum through the exploration of shapes and materials.
Projects by course students
Who is this online course for?
Anyone interested in art and architecture who wants to take on an architectural project.
Requirements and materials
Basic disciplinary and technical knowledge of architecture is necessary for this course.
In terms of materials, you need some paper, a pencil, a pen, some card, glue, a cutter, and some spray paints. You can also use a computer with the 3D modeling software of your choice, if you wish.
Reviews
- 1 year ago
Excelente curso... Muy amigable y empático... Básico y conciso... Me agradó y sirvió bastante... Muchas gracias...
- 2 years ago
Excelente curso, muy completo y útil.
- 2 years ago
me gusto mucho, la capacidad de sintesis, queda muy claro la logica de la situación, y e planteamiento del tema muy bien explicado, lo recomiendo ampliamente.
- 2 years ago
Muy buen curso
- 2 years ago
Es un curso interesante que ayuda mucho a introducirse al mundo de la arquitectura efímera. Me hubiera gustado un poco más de contexto para el diseño.
He has appeared in various national and international publications, is a two-time winner of the ArchDaily Building of The Year Award, and has represented Portugal at the Venice Biennale of Architecture. He is also one of the co-founders of the Galeria de Arquitectura located in Porto, Portugal, a gallery that exhibits architectural projects "as an exercise in contemplating this discipline and its limits."
Content
- U1
Introduction
- Presentation
- Influences
- U2
First steps
- What is ephemeral architecture?
- What is an ephemeral museum?
- The Garden Pavilion
- container and content
- container and context
- U3
Get to work
- think about the experience
- think the design
- think space
- think emptiness 1
- think emptiness 2
- think materiality
- U4
build the idea
- Carry out an ephemeral project
- Communicate an ephemeral project
- FP
Final project
- Ephemeral Architecture: Design Temporary Spaces
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FAQs
Ephemeral architecture refers to temporary projects like pavilions, museums, and urban installations created for events, exhibitions, or artistic interventions, focusing on innovation, experimentation, and quick responses to specific needs.
The course is intermediate level and recommended for those with basic knowledge in architecture or related fields who want to deepen their understanding of temporary and experimental practices.
It’s recommended to have access to drawing materials, basic tools for physical model-making, a computer with 3D modeling software, and an interest in experimenting with lightweight and everyday materials.
You will learn to design temporary spaces, integrate innovative materials, develop models, experiment with construction solutions, create exhibition routes, and assess the sensory and social impact of architectural interventions.
The course covers design concepts, modulation, construction detailing, lighting strategies, use of materials like wood, metal, and polycarbonate, as well as key international examples of ephemeral pavilions.
You will analyze how ephemeral architecture can shape visitor experience by adapting spaces to artwork types, managing natural and artificial light, and developing spatial narratives.
Yes, the course teaches 3D modeling and model-building techniques to test spatial solutions in ephemeral and exhibition projects.