IULM 50. Legacy and Future. Milan

IULM. Libera Università di Lingue e Comunicazione / IULM 6, Contemporary Exhibition Hall. Milan / May 2019 / IULM

The IULM 50 exhibition layout provides a snapshot of the 50 years of the IULM University, thus assembling a wide graphical, multimedia and physical archive of the Athenaeum. Here, the identity of this center of excellence in the of field communication emerges strongly. In this narrative layout, characterized by the lightness of the design, the graphic design and design of the exhibition space merge, becoming an unequivocal key for understanding the richness of its highly diverse contents, thereby constituting the file rouge of the whole narration. To this end, “historical relics” and everyday evidence of the contemporary didactic experience are placed alongside one other: the videos produced by the students are thus included within the layout, as an integral part capable of defining the path. At the beginning, a graphical timeline summarizes the Athenaeum’s history through various significant milestones and introduces visitors to the main exhibition space. Here, eight episodes of graphic design measuring 5 meters high unfurl from the wall onto desks in a symphony of colors, accurate narrations and original fonts, retracing the history and legacy of the institution. From early rectors to honorary degrees, from theatrical and cinematographic reenactments to advertising campaigns, these works reflect an institution that has always been able to grasp the emerging opportunities offered by the market and the international scene. In the centre, a 10-meter-longdesk gathers and reorganizes a collection of the Athenaeum’s memorabilia,ranging from the 1968 Charter to the university record book of the first freshman,the official 1969 Gazette, the first rector’s computer and the “Il Pellicano” and “Il Luminare” university magazines. A series of scale models and sketcheshighlight the architectonical evolution of the university, closing off the exhibition on the first floorby acting as stage wall. Going up to the first floor, the visitor is accompanied by a video that provides a glimpse of life at IULM and its past and future projects and activities. Finally, the second floor has been conceived as an area with a slower pace for going further in-depth into the contents. It consists of a reception area with audio-video screens and a system of 15-meter-longdesks offering a more extensive narration of the university’s foundation through additional archive materials. From the rectors to the students and teachers, IULM 50 exhibition gives a voice to all those who have helped create a university that was one of the first to grant the right academic importance to the field of communication. This achievement is now recognized by everybody, in the awareness that there is no future without the ability to keep memory alive.

With Italo Lupi
Curated by Gianni Canova
Photo courtesy of IULM