Aware: Exhibition by 3XN/GXN on body, space and emotion
The exhibition Aware in 2024 presented the architecture firm 3XN/GXN’s exploration of the relationship between body and space—how spatial atmospheres and architectural behaviour principles shape emotions, actions and quality of life.
Architecture can thrill you or awe you, calm you down or foster connection. It can be caring and protective – or stimulate your curiosity, igniting idle senses and unfolding unseen worlds
We bring ourselves into architecture, filling space with atmosphere – but architecture has an agency of its own. Space can suggest you to do things: jump or shout, move fast or slow, be active or rest, make you alert or relaxed, keep to the side, or take center stage.
This reverberating relationship is not only the context in which 3XN GXN works but underscores the enduring effect that the built environment has on us and on our surroundings.
The installations in the exhibition Aware presented some of the fundamental concepts of space: not bricks, concrete or steel, but relations between bodies and space, between spatial atmospheres and human emotions. Aware encouraged you to explore and reflect on your experience of space, delving into the behavioural principles behind architecture and their transformative potential.
At home, at work, at school, we are almost always present within architecture. Aware asked you to consider the questions buried beneath the surface: what emotional effect does architecture have on you and your everyday quality of life?
Explore the exhibition
Use your senses
From the moment you stepped into the exhibition, you were immersed in six large installations designed to awaken your senses. We asked: How does the space feel as you move quickly and slowly, close your eyes, or simply pause for a moment? The experience was enhanced by a sound universe created by the trio Mesmer and lighting design by Jesper Kongshaug.
Photo: Rasmus Hjortshøj
Photo: Rasmus Hjortshøj 
Different spaces create different emotions
You could experience how a staircase not only connected different levels but also created an encounter between you and others visiting the exhibition. You could let yourself be embraced by a wooden cocoon that both soothed and protected. Or you could pause in front of the large kaleidoscopic mirror wall that transformed your reflection and surroundings into prism-like patterns.
Photo: Rasmus Hjortshøj
Photo: Adam Mørk Stairs connect more than floors
From the outside, the Olympic House in Switzerland appears almost entirely transparent, and inside, a staircase of Olympic rings winds up towards the roof like a massive piece of art, connecting the floors in the center of the building.
Read more about Olympic House
Photo: Adam Mørk Kaleidoscope Reflections and Smart Design
In Berlin, 3XN has created Cube Berlin, an office building that echoes its surroundings in prism-shaped patterns, offering passersby a transformed mirrored image of themselves and the life around them. Data on users’ behavior is continuously used to optimize indoor climate and energy consumption.
Read more about CUBE Berlin
Photo: Adam Mørk Protective Spaces
In Lemvig is an international center for climate research. The design of the Klimatorium is defined by a striking design element – a large three-dimensional arch that adorns the facade and extends into the building, serving as a rest area with benches for the harbor’s visitors. You could explore for yourself how it feels to sit in this large installation at the exhibition!
Read more about Klimatorium
3XN buildings – in the real world
DAC Magazine
Who are 3XN/GXN?
For more than three decades, 3XN has been dedicated to creating humane and innovative buildings based on the belief that architecture creates behaviour. With offices in Copenhagen, Stockholm, London, New York and Sydney, the studio takes Scandinavian traditions of clarity and generosity and translates them to a global audience.
In 2007, 3XN established the independent research and consultancy unit, GXN, which works with strategic sustainability. GXN bridges the gap between behavioural design and circular design with the aim of reducing the environmental impact of the construction industry while elevating user well-being.
The symbiosis between 3XN and GXN ensures a deep understanding of how architecture reflects and influences human behaviour and the environment. Knowledge that enables the studio to design innovative and sustainable buildings both locally and internationally.
Photo: Rasmus Hjortshøj
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What was Aware?
Aware was an exhibition by 3XN/GXN exploring the relationship between body and space and how architecture can shape emotions, behaviour and quality of life.
When did Aware take place?
The exhibition ran from 22 Mar to 15 Sep 2024.
What was the exhibition’s main focus?
Aware presented fundamental architectural principles as relationships between body and space and between spatial atmosphere and human feelings, with a focus on behavioural principles.
What did the exhibition consist of, and who created sound and lighting?
The exhibition consisted of six large installations, a sound universe by the trio Mesmer, and lighting design by Jesper Kongshaug.
Which specific installations could you experiences?
You could experience a staircase as a social encounter, a calming and protective wooden cocoon, and a large kaleidoscopic mirror wall that transformed reflections and surroundings.
What should I know if I only read one thing?
Aware (22 Mar–15 Sep 2024) invited visitors to experience 3XN/GXN’s idea that architecture affects us, through six sensory installations about body, space and emotion.