Today (16/02/2010) I visited the Natural History Museum to find out what methods they use to exhibit the thousands of artefact's they have on display to the public. I wanted to see if there were any ideas that could help the group when it comes to arranging our own exhibition.
Whilst at the museum I was constantly looking for different ways in which they display both the artefact and information. The museum was split into four zones, each with there own colour. The zones were:- Orange Zone- Wildlife, Zoology Spirit building
- Blue Zone- Dinosaurs, Mammals, Marine Invertibrates
- Green Zone- Birds, Ecology, Minerals
- Red Zone- Earth Lab, Earth's Treasury
I think the the colour coded zones could be a good idea for our exhibition as it would allow us to seperate our personal work or genre's of work.
As I walked though the different zones I also noticed that different artifacts were displayed in a range of ways. The smaller mammals and birds on display tended to be in solid wood and glass cabinets, giving a very scientific/educational feel. The larger dinosaur skeletons weren't as inclosed, only a small boundry seperated them from the public.As well as this I realised that artifacts were displayed at various heights, some where even suspended over head. In order to inform the public about the piece the information boards were printed with larger text so that they were visbable from below.
I think for our exhibition we should try to create a relaxed environment where the public feel at ease and are allowed to interact with the display. We could even hang work from the ceiling or higher up the walls to add to the interaction.
The room above was very different from many of the other rooms. It had a very clean, contemporary look, almost like an art gallery. I noticed while in this room everyone seemed to be alot quieter. I think this is due to its gallery like appearance. In the less formal rooms everyone seemed more relaxed.In certain rooms I found that the lighting was very dim. I understand that this may be to preserve the skeletons and other pieces on display. The light in some rooms made it very hard to take pictures and even view some exhibits. As a group we need to discuss the level of light in order to display our work to its best potential. We would also need to discuss if are going to allow photography.
One problem our group was having was thinking of ways to show videos and animations. Walking though the Blue (Dinosaur) zone I noticed these video screens mounted behind acrylic information boards. The animations being displayed showed how dinosaurs might have walked, while the section of text beneath gave an explanation.
The branding of the museum is very simple but effective. The same font and 'N' logo are used thoughout the museum. The logo varies with the letter being filled with different designs. The above logo is filled with an image of a globe.
Good research Jonathan. Now, what would be useful for your team and presentation is use all this information and apply it to your specific and selected concepts. As you can see, logo, branding and concept of this particular exhibition are related. They all, in one way or another, suggest the concept nature. This is because an exhibition has as main AIM to tell a story and to communicate a message that will support the work that is being exhibited. In simple words: the museum or gallery is working through colours, typos, images and branding to guide the visitor through a story that talks about specific work or artifacts. If you don't have that connection between all the elements of your exhibition, the story ends up being different or the visitor ends up lost and without understanding the real meaning of the pieces exhibited. So, my suggestion is you don't forget the aim of your exhibition, for this: understand the work you're exhibiting and what do you want to talk about it. Create your branding based in this aim and finally support your topic through the elements we have talked in class and that you found in your visit to the museum: branding, colours, typos, signage, display, etc. Also, don't forget to consider the approach you want your visitors to have to your work. If I don't remember wrongly, you want it to be interactive, so be sure of mentioning this in your presentation and how you're planning to do it without getting away from your aim and concept. Good luck tomorrow. See you then.
ReplyDeleteAlso, please don't forget to start working in your personal card. This is considered as part of your individual and final marking, so be sure to make progress in it. See you soon.
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