The Architecture of Wandering: Flâneurism Reimagined within Cultural Institutions

Abstract

This research examines how flâneurism, originally a phenomenon of urban modernity, can transform contemporary museum and library architecture. By analyzing principles of spontaneous discovery and spatial adaptability, this study explores how cultural institutions can incorporate flâneurist approaches to address contemporary challenges in architectural design and visitor engagement. The investigation examines how museums and libraries can evolve through flâneurist-inspired architecture that facilitates wandering, observation, and discovery. Drawing on case studies of innovative cultural institutions and theoretical frameworks, the research demonstrates how architectural elements create more permeable, exploratory spaces that encourage diverse forms of cultural engagement. These design strategies include non-linear circulation patterns, flexible exhibition spaces, and interconnected programming areas that support multiple modes of interaction. By examining contemporary architects and cultural theorists, the study explores how flâneurist principles shape the design of dynamic, responsive civic spaces. This approach challenges traditional institutional narratives while fostering more inclusive, adaptable environments that respond to evolving technological and social needs. The research considers how these architectural interventions enhance visitor experience, foster community engagement, and support cultural institutions’ evolving roles in society. By connecting architectural theory with institutional design practices, this research contributes to ongoing discussions about the future of museums and libraries as they adapt to changing social, cultural, and technological landscapes.

Presenters

Amos Bar-Eli
Senior Lecturer, Design, HIT - Holon Institute of Technology, Israel

Details

Presentation Type

Paper Presentation in a Themed Session

Theme

2025 Special Focus—Galleries, Libraries, Archives & Museums: Engines of Innovation and Social Participation

KEYWORDS

Museum Architecture, Spatial Adaptability, Architectural Phenomenology