Introduction

PROBLEM & OPPORTUNITY

Problem

Death is a universal part of human life, yet it remains a difficult subject to approach in everyday conversations. In many contemporary urban societies, death is often associated with hospitals, funeral services, and private mourning rather than public discussion or collective cultural experiences. 

Our Starting Point

AFTER starts from the idea that death, memory, and grief deserve a place in contemporary cultural life. It aims to create an accessible space where these subjects can be explored through art, storytelling, cultural traditions, and shared experiences.

Opportunity

Our initial exploration of Berlin's cultural landscape suggested a gap in dedicated cultural spaces that approach these topics through art, exhibitions, and shared experiences. At the same time, we identified a potential audience interested in meaningful, immersive, and thought-provoking cultural experiences in Berlin. 

Our Goal

AFTER aims to respond to this opportunity by creating an accessible space where these subjects can be explored through art, storytelling, cultural traditions, and participation. It invites visitors to reflect on mortality, memory, exchange perspectives, and explore what it means to remember, to lose, and to leave something behind.

RESEARCH & INSPIRATION

The  Container project uses a pop-up museum in shipping containers to break the taboo of death through service design.

The inspiration for three of the containers specifically comes from different cultural traditions of farewell: Japanese Obon, focused on light and spiritual connection with ancestors; Mexican Días de los Muertos, which celebrate remembrance in a vibrant and collective way; and Ghanaian fantasy coffins, which interpret the identity of the deceased through sculptural art.

By combining the industrial shell with immersive interior spaces, the exhibition guides the visitor through an experiential journey surrounding memory and grief.

TARGET AUDIENCE

AFTER is designed for people who are curious about art, culture, and new experiences, and who are open to exploring topics that are not often discussed in everyday life.

Our target audince is; 

-Adults, mainly aged 24 and above
-Art and culture enthusiasts - people who enjoy exhibitions, performances, contemporary art, interactive and experimental cultural formats.
-People interested in personal reflection

FORMAT: WHY POP-UP CONTAINERS?

Shipping containers provide modular, easy-to-transport, and cost-effective structures, making it possible to set up the museum in public squares, festivals, and cultural centers at a relatively low cost. The sharp contrast between the raw industrial exterior and the immersive interior clearly marks the transition into the exhibition experience, while the temporary nature of the pop-up format directly mirrors the fleeting quality of life and memory.

CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT

The concept development phase tracks the evolution of the entire 6-container pop-up museum, moving from the initial service design idea to the detailed definition of the spatial and narrative experience, along with the economic model.

1. PITCH 

In this first phase, we defined the core concept: using service design to break the taboo surrounding death. We identified the target audience, analyzed the modular structure of shipping containers, and outlined the overall exhibition framework.

2.PITCH

During the second pitch, we developed the architecture of all 6 containers. Specifically, we designed the 3 containers dedicated to cultural traditions of death (Japanese Obon, Mexican Días de los Muertos, Ghanaian fantasy coffins) alongside the immersive and transition modules, defining interior technology, layout, and sensory experiences.

3. FINAL PRESENTATION

The final presentation consolidated the entire project, incorporating definitive 6 containers, complete documentation of visitor workflows, a production and mobility strategy, and a detailed business model including ticket pricing and financial projections for economic sustainability.