„The Renovation Show“ was an exhibition curated by students of station.plus at D-ARCH ETH Zurich. It explored the transformative power of renovation and its profound impact on our built environment. The exhibition is part of the European Citizens’ Initiative HouseEurope!, which advocates for EU policies that support sustainable renovation over demolition and new construction.
Since 2023, this initiative has worked to integrate social, economic, and ecological considerations from the architectural sphere into legislation and public discourse. In a culture that often favors the new over the old, this exhibition reconsiders the enduring value of existing structures. Renovation is not merely about improving efficiency or property value; it engages with the social, environmental, and economic fabric of our urban landscapes. It is essential for preserving the cultural and historical narratives that define our communities, preventing architectural heritage from being exploited for profit-driven gentrification, and protecting our environment from further degradation.
Beyond practical exhibition design, the design studio also delved into the theoretical considerations that shape the impact of architectural representation. It viewed the exhibition as a medium of knowledge transfer, treating it as a form of temporary architecture that communicates architectural insights in innovative ways, detached from rigid codes and the conventions of traditional building. Curating and programming „The Renovation Show“ was a collaborative effort by the students of station.plus. The exhibition opened on December 16, 2024, at ETH Zurich, coinciding with the semester finals, and parts of it will later travel to venues all over Europe.