ArchDaily Explores Heterotopias Through Four Temporary Installations
In her article titled "Architectural Heterotopias: Temporary Installations as Alternative Worlds," published on September 18, 2026, Susanna Moreira examines how temporary installations serve as physical heterotopias, offering alternatives to prevailing spatial and cultural norms. Drawing on Michel Foucault's ideas, the piece emphasizes the role of escapism in architecture as a means of reimagining different realities. Featured projects include "Room" by Tamara Wibowo Architects, "When the Earth Began to Look at Itself" by Syn Architects, "The Waterfall that Went Silent" from Umeå School of Architecture, "Vessel" by Erazo Pugliese, and "Under the Same Sun" by Stephanie Deumer. This article is part of ArchDaily’s monthly theme, "The Lure of Escapism in Architecture and Alternative Worlds."
Key facts
- Article written by Susanna Moreira and published on September 18, 2026, on ArchDaily.
- The concept of heterotopia was developed by philosopher Michel Foucault.
- Tamara Wibowo Architects created "Room," a spatial meditation on duality.
- Syn Architects' "When the Earth Began to Look at Itself" is a Desert X installation referencing Rosi Braidotti's 'nomadic subject'.
- Umeå School of Architecture's "The Waterfall that Went Silent" is located in the UNESCO World Heritage site Laponia.
- The waterfall Stora Sjöfallet/Stuormuorkkegårttje (part of Lule River) nearly disappeared after Sweden started hydropower developments in the valley at the beginning of the 20th century.
- Erazo Pugliese's "Vessel" is an asymmetrical installation on rocks with partially fixed fabrics on a timber frame.
- Stephanie Deumer's "Under the Same Sun" uses solar panels shaped like a puddle of water to power a sunken greenhouse with projected live-feed footage.
Entities
Artists
- Susanna Moreira
- Michel Foucault
- Rosi Braidotti
- Tamara Wibowo
- Stephanie Deumer
- Bruno Giliberto
Institutions
- ArchDaily
- Tamara Wibowo Architects
- Syn Architects
- Desert X
- Umeå School of Architecture
- Erazo Pugliese
- UNESCO
Locations
- Laponia
- Sweden
- Lule River