Omar Harb

advisor

Phoenicia University

Lebanon

As an architect and founder of Omar Harb Architects & Associates, my work centers on creating… more

EXHIBITION "ALONE WITH ONESELF"

Ekaterina Zhuravlyova
Project idea
The main idea is to use lighting to draw the viewer’s attention to the exhibits and immerse them in the atmosphere of the exhibition. The materials and lighting create a unique tactile and visual experience that enhances the emotional perception of the exposition.

Project description
Hall 1.
This hall is designed to immerse visitors in a state of solitude and introspection. The layout resembles a labyrinth, which intensifies the feeling of seclusion and encourages exploration of the space. Unexpected turns and hidden corners invite reflection and discovery of new conceptual levels of the exposition. All photographs in the hall are presented in black and white, except for a few color ones, to create the effect of a “drop of air” in a dark, oppressive atmosphere — a small bright island of liveliness and color in suffocating solitude. The lighting serves as a guiding element, emphasizing the importance of the exhibits and creating a play of shadows that adds depth and mystique.

Hall 2.
The metal frame forming the basis of the exposition is specially designed so that the exhibits literally hang over the visitor. The cold metal structure intensifies the feeling of pressure, claustrophobia, and overwhelming solitude, creating an almost physical sensation of heaviness and confinement. In the center of the hall are headphones playing white noise — a constant background sound that enhances the atmosphere of isolation and psychological tension. This sound acts as an invisible veil separating the visitor from the outside world, fully immersing them in the exhibition space.

Hall 3.
Here, the visitor is met by a single exhibit — the focal point and symbol of transition. Color appears in this hall, offering an escape from the oppressive solitude and symbolizing movement and renewal. The audio file played through headphones reveals a new level of perception, complementing the visual experience with a multidimensional sound space. This helps the visitor deeply feel the emotional shift — the transition from darkness to light.

Hall 4.
Visitors are once again immersed in solitude. The layout resembles a labyrinth, but unlike the first hall, the atmosphere here is peaceful and harmonious. The space is filled with calmness and inner balance. Soft and even lighting emphasizes the smoothness of the forms and creates a feeling of warmth and protection. This hall serves as an island of silence and meditation, where one can pause, relax, and feel unity with the surrounding space.

Technical information
The project uses a modular design. Rectangular-profile metal pipes measuring 40 x 30 mm are connected using special fasteners — brackets and crab systems with holes for bolts. In some parts, matte transparent PVC panels are attached to the metal frame.

The main flooring materials are dark gray roll rubber covering and yellow rubber floor stickers. Walls and exhibition elements are finished with light gray matte fabric.

To further enhance this innovative project, consider elaborating on the interplay between the specific visual content (the photographs and single exhibit) and the designed spatial/sensory experience in each hall. How do the themes, composition, or subject matter of the artworks themselves collaborate with the architecture, lighting, and sound to deepen the intended emotional and intellectual impact on the viewer?