Designed to uplift and inspire, Pappelwald Kantine Festivalzentrum by Dexter Red was the heart of Ruhrtriennale Festival der Künste 2022/23. Rooted in concepts of play, transformation, and sustainability, this innovative space blended modular industrial materials with natural elements to create an optimistic and restorative refuge for visitors—a much-needed escape during the third year of the pandemic and the onset of the invasion in Ukraine.
Located within and adjacent a small Pappelwäldchen (poplar forest) next to Bochum's Jahrhunderthalle, Dexter Red designed a central pavilion that bridged the natural and industrial through greenery and harmonious lighting. Modular, moveable furniture designed by Dexter allowed the space to transform seamlessly, supporting a dynamic range of activities. By day, it served as a café, bar, and lounge, fostering connection and community. On weekends, it transformed into a vibrant nightclub, offering moments of joy and celebration.
The space also housed the Festivalsbibliothek (festival library), for which Dexter Red created a compelling physical presence, alongside lighting design and visitor engagement strategies that enhanced the immersive experience. Every detail reflected a deep commitment to sustainability, using reusable and adaptable materials to minimize environmental impact.
Pappelwald Kantine embodied a forward-thinking vision, offering not just a venue but a sanctuary where art, nature, and people could come together to feel good, connect, and rediscover a sense of play.
The Central Pavilion as seen from a distance.
MODUALIRTY
View from the café into the modular dining and workshop space of the pavilion. Featuring six adaptable tables and stackable repurposed vintage school chairs, the space was designed for continuous transformation—allowing for dynamic layouts that shape the social experience
Prefabricated industrial materials interplayed with real plants.
Entrance to the Pappelwäldchen.
SUSTAINABILITY
Through the use of on-hand components and recycled materials, the environmental impact of the temporary space was reduced.
PLAY
As a means to engage the community, the space offered literally hundreds of different games though table tennis and the giant chessboard were the most popular.
Custom DESIGN + BuilD
For elements that could be sourced used, custom furniture including tables, chairs and the popular sun loungers made from handtrucks were designed and built by the technical team.
Visitor engagement
Much of the furnishings of the space were designed by moveable and guests were invited to participate in co-creation of the space via its constant rearangement and transformation.
