OUGD406 Studio Brief 03 - Collaborative Practice - Own Research

I wanted to do some of my own research into successful art and design exhibitions:

Western Gallery

Masters of Design exhibition

"In spring of 2013, the Western Gallery at Western Washington University in Bellingham hosted a retrospective exhibition of Volume's work. This show was the latest in the gallery’s ongoing Masters of Design series that has honored other contemporary design luminaries including Michael Vanderbyl and Art Chantry. 


Subtitled Our Work Shouldn’t Be Here, the 5000 square-foot exhibition captures the experiential essence of Volume’s wide range of work, revealing much about our philosophy, process and personality in addition to our work. It also addresses how to display design that is meant to be touched, read, and used without completely reducing it to a collection of rarefied artifacts frozen behind glass."

What I particularily like within this exhibition is the use of space, they have managed to occupy such a large area but making it seem full with the hangings and the boxes. It engages the eye immediately and provides a strong visual focus that emphasises it's personality. I also think including interactive parts to the exhibition is vital to make the view feel more involved and immersed into the exhibition.

Face of Fashion Exhibition Design

National Portrait Gallery, London, 2007

I particularly like the thought out wall display which provides more visual intrigue for the viewer. It's just more engaging and gives the viewer time to actually look them up and down rather than a quick scan. Positioning and wall displays will be something important to consider.

The Tate

The Tate's branding is consistent across all of it's chains, making it easily recognisable. The bright use of colour provide a bold platform for the faded text that is always very present. The curved type and playfulness in design show a friendly feel that doesn't draw attention from what the gallery is exhibiting.

The Hepworth Wakefield

Like the Tate, The Hepworth Wakefield also has very strong consistent branding, which makes it recognisable. A strong colour palette has been asserted and the shape of the building has been incorporated into the branding. This is something my group could consider doing with the bank house. The short word phrases are hard hitting and create appeal and intrigue.

The Barbican Centre

The Barbican Centre utilises type within the wayfinding exceptionally. The wall displays become big staple pieces almost like they are works or art themselves. It effectively guides a user around an environment in an engaging way. Again the design is consistent making it cohesive and easy to follow, it highlights the clarity of the system.