All Aboard FLOTO: Our Installation for a New Floating Gallery

From digital lidar scans to a smoke-filled photoshoot, see how we used our modular Box Library to fit out a portable gallery space. A study in versatility, these components transform a boat’s red belly into a functional, ever-changing hub for London’s photography scene.

U-Build X FLOTO London Installation. Photography by Vincent Dolman, Nov 2025.

Behind-the-scenes: U-Build X FLOTO London Installation. U-Build, Nov 2025.

Modular geometry meets industrial grit. U-Build, Nov 2025.

Empty red interior of FLOTO, taken before the shoot. U-Build, Nov 2025.

FLOTO London – Moving Art From East to West

In November 2025, we spent a day aboard FLOTO London, a new floating exhibition space for photographers, slowly navigating the rivers and canals between east and west London.

We joined photographer Vincent Dolman (see also Vyner Zine) for FLOTO’s first photoshoot, with boxes from our Box Library used to give a flavour of how the space might be used in future exhibitions.

The shoot provided another opportunity to explore the versatility and total reconfigurability of the Box Library’s inventory, and demonstrated how our modular components could define and transform the boat’s cavernous interior.

We first mapped out the space using a hand-held lidar scan of the boat, and overlaid digital twins of our boxes to plan out the different concepts for the installation. On the day of the shoot, these were then iterated by eye to get things just right.

Hand-held lidar scan of the boat, with digital overlaid boxes. U-Build, 2025.

The Shoot

Dolman introduced blue and pink-hued smoke that weaved through the many configurations of boxes we built during the day, emphasising the shifting nature of the space. The raw plywood of the boxes accentuated the ribs of the boat’s dark, red belly, while the haze softened the hard edges to create beautifully moody atmosphere.

Modular geometry paired with industrial grit. The photoshoot became a study in light, shadow and the endless possibilities of simple structural forms.

Once the gallery officially launches, the boxes will form sections of the interior fitout of the space, enabling it to be reconfigured for a range of sculptural and functional uses, from plinths and staging for photography displays, tables and stools for gallery visitors, and storage for workspace and equipment.

Rather than a static fit-out, this is a living installation designed to evolve with artists who step on board @flotolondon, by @vincentdolman

If you’re hoping to set up your own exhibition or event, you could pick up a small quantity of our boxes to help with your project, from our Box Library. You may need a car big enough to fit all the boxes in. Please note borrowing boxes is subject to availability. Get in touch via info@u-build.org