MINIPLEX 1.1

MINIPLEX 1.1

MINIPLEX is a modular system designed by Vlad Tenu, consisting of a single type of components: identical flat pieces that can be connected and re-combined, organically growing into very complex geometric structures. The modules can be made of a variety of materials and through simple rules of symmetry, they can be assembled into an infinity of possible shapes, just like a Lego brick or a 3D puzzle. The system is born from the idea of an ever-changing piece of design that can be endlessly re-configured into different new arrangements and adapt to its context. The idea of a demountable system allows for the recycling and reuse of all the components.

This is the second installation of Miniplex: Version 1.1. It was especially re-configured as an interior pavilion for PLUG-IN-TO-THE-FUTURE. Changing approaches to design, an exhibition curated by Jennifer Greitschus at ARUP Phase 2 Gallery in 2018. The exhibition also contains a prototype of the aluminium version of Miniplex 2.0.

Miniplex 1.0 is a prototypical edition which was initially supported, produced and installed by AHMM for City Centre’s Youth Programme 2017, an educational initiative in collaboration with City Centre London. The pavilion was installed in Paternoster Square and it was included in the itinerary of London Festival of Architecture 2017. Subsequently, the same modular system has been reconfigured for several other events and exhibitions such as the London Pavilion at the Shenzhen Design Week 2019, a permanent installation as a decorative dividing wall at ARUP’s headquarters in London in 2019 and the FPS London ULTRA Exhibition at the OXO Bargehouse in London 2019.

Why modular?

Having sustainability as a core principle, the modular system is born from the idea of an ever-changing piece of design that can be endlessly re-configured into different new arrangements and adapt to its context. The idea of a demountable system allows for the recycling and reuse of all the components, which become a new ‘smart material’’.

Due to the remarkable structural properties of this type of geometry, relatively large scale objects can be built with modules made from a variety of very thin materials. These structures behave similarly to space trusses, being robust and very lightweight at the same time.

Miniplex 1.1 was exhibited at PLUG-IN-TO-THE-FUTURE. Changing approaches to design, an exhibition curated by Jennifer Greitschus at ARUP Phase 2 Gallery from November 2018 to March 2019. Special thanks go to Jennifer Greitschus, Nick Westby, Nicole Perez, Francesco Anselmo, Toria Richardson, Claire Pollock and the amazing assembly team.