Infiniti Pod
Melbourne, VIC
Traditional Owners – Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation
The Infiniti Pod was developed as a prefabricated exhibition structure designed to travel from site to site. The client was frustrated with temporary exhibition stands that were quickly assembled, poorly built, and discarded after each event. Instead, they wanted a highly crafted object that could be reused while maintaining brand identity. The result was conceived as a simple black monolith, a compact, panelised structure that could be transported by truck and deployed in different contexts. Rather than having a fixed front or back, the pod was designed to be symmetrical and adaptable. Panels open in multiple directions, allowing the structure to respond to different sites and exhibition conditions. Some panels unfold to create decks or display surfaces, transforming the pod from a closed object into an open and engaging space. The project approached exhibition architecture more like industrial design than traditional building, focusing on precision, durability and adaptability within a compact form.
The Infiniti Pod panels are connected with continuous piano hinges, allowing them to open smoothly and reliably. When closed, the pod reads as a simple, seamless object; when opened, it unfolds into a series of functional surfaces and spaces. Inside, the same discipline applied to the external panels continues through the interior. Floor joints align with wall panels, glazing, and door frames, creating a precise and coherent construction language. Services are carefully concealed within narrow cupboards and compact service zones. Mechanical systems were intentionally kept simple and robust. Rather than relying on complex electronics or automated systems, the opening mechanisms were designed to operate using basic tools such as a drill. This approach prioritised durability and ease of maintenance, ensuring the pod could be assembled, opened and reconfigured easily in different locations while remaining reliable over time.
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2012
