“Economy of means” suggests the challenge of using one means for multiple ends, investigating what makes this approach both a trademark and a precondition for rational architecture. It is a truth universally acknowledged that resources of all types, in all parts of the world, must be managed with greater consciousness and care as the twenty-first century progresses. Architects explore the limits and definition of architecture itself by reducing the material, economic and conceptual means they resort to in their projects. Within their discipline, this might entail a particular material, space, form or process.

The exhibition Economy of Means proposed a typology of the ways in which the economy of means has been used up to now, and questions the various ways in which it could be explored today. This multisensory exhibition, drawn on a large number of contemporary and historical examples, explores the innovative ways in which authors are guided towards more responsible, ethical, sustainable and ultimately more beautiful solutions to local and global challenges.

The exhibition was part of the 5th edition of the Lisbon Architecture Triennale, entitled “The Poetics of Reason”.

Strategic partners of the Lisbon Architecture Triennale: Câmara Municipal de Lisboa, Fundação EDP, Fundação Millennium BCP

Funding: Direção-Geral das Artes