Concept Car Exhibitions as Museums of the Future: Representational Spaces in the Context of Space Age Aesthetics

Abstract

ABSTRACT This thesis explores the architectural potential of Space Age aesthetics with the concept of car museum. Originating in 1950s, Space Age aesthetics were born from the cultural and technological atmosphere of the space race, expressing futuristic ideals through synthetic materials, fluid forms, and symbolic abstractions. In spite of its profound influence on design disciplines, the integration of this aesthetic into exhibition architecture, notably within automotive display environments, has remained limited. Positioned at the intersection of speculative design and spatial narrative, this study examines how concept cars, as object of technological imagination might be exhibited in environments, reflect their visionary essence. Rather than relying on conventional case studies the research draws form selected examples to uncover visual strategies, material tendencies, and spatial narratives aligned with Space Age design. The Project sites in BerlinOberschöneweied establishes a historical link with AEG’s early automotive innovations, creating a meaningful continuity between the past and imagined futures. Adopting a research, through a design methodology, theoretical analysis is translated into a spatial proposition that centers on spatial atmosphere, spatial intensity, and thematic coherence. In conclusion, the thesis exclaims a design framework wherein structure and content are integrated conceptually and formally. The museum is re-imagined not only as an exhibition venue but as a performative environment that reactivates Space Age aesthetics for contemporary audiences as well.