Skin Peep

Valletta, Malta

When St. James Centre for Creativity (today’s Spazju Kreattiv) invited the studio to showcase its work inside the main gallery, we wanted to steer away from the traditional architectural exhibition and sought to encapsulate the complex procedure which carries projects from concept to production.

The visitor was invited in, whilst the studio in action was exported, moving into the exhibition hall for a month, inviting the public to ‘take a peep’. Enough space for six persons to work in was walled in with concrete block-work. Drawings & photos were pinned up in openings, leaving room to glimpse in. Mirrors were positioned to capture screens, and working models were placed on high shelves. Makeshift furniture was created utilising found materials, and the studio chairs, drawing board and machines were set up inside the space.

Within a few days, the office was up and running. To achieve one continuous skin, the entrance door was clad with trimmed blockwork, a detail which also discouraged visitors from walking in. The small holes and powerful lighting gave a sense of privacy, to deliver a memorable message to both audience and creators.

Photos by Chris Briffa