How to Steal a Country: Russian Edition — Invasion of Ukraine

3553 is proud to present How to Steal a Country: Russian Edition — Invasion of Ukraine, an exhibition by Vertical Geopolitics Lab. The exhibition will run from 17-27 July 2025. 

Opening Event:
Date: Thursday 17th July 2025
Time: 6pm - 9pm
Location: 35-53 Emma St, Collingwood

Opening Times:
Friday 18th 11-4
Friday 24th 11-4
Saturday 26th 11-4

Architecture is an instrument of power. In its research-based debut exhibition, entitled ‘How to Steal a Country’, the Vertical Geopolitics Lab details how Russia has instrumentalized architecture to undermine Ukrainian sovereignty from 2014 to its ongoing full-scale invasion. This project decodes, deconstructs, and analyses various case studies of buildings and infrastructures — innocuous built objects of the everyday — with nevertheless enormous implications. These objects, deployed by the Russian government as displayed in this exhibition, appear to be neither diplomatic nor military in function, which has rendered their use plausibly deniable, often helping them evade detection as potential threats.

This exhibition transforms the gallery into scenes from the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Scale- and life-size dioramas, vignettes, and tableaus create an immersive experience, revealing the key role architecture plays in the ongoing sovereignty dispute. Based on open-source investigation, the exhibition critically highlights humanitarian aid operations, bank branches, internet and telephone facilities, as well as child boarding and care facilities as theatrical prop-like objects akin to those deployed by Russia to stage 'facts on the ground' in Ukraine. Employing techniques from scenic theatrical set model-making, key scenes from the invasion establish sovereignty as a performative concept dependent on an audience.

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Vertical Geopolitics Lab is an investigative practice and think-tank dedicated to exposing intangible systems and hidden agendas within the built environment. Directed by architect, urbanist, and educator Lukas Pauer, the lab is comprised of a decentrally-organized research staff, a board of advisors, and global correspondents.

3553 is a public event space dedicated to the exploration of ideas that affect the built environment. Operated by OFFICE, a design and research practice committed to advancing critical dialogue, 3553 fosters collaboration across disciplines, communities, and borders. The space offers a platform for local, national, and international practitioners, students, researchers, and academics to showcase innovative work, share insights, and engage in meaningful conversations. Through a diverse program of exhibitions, lectures, workshops, and public events, 3553 invites audiences to engage with the evolving landscape of design, while creating a space for education, critical thought, and creative exchange.