Receiver of 1st place, produced and used to display exhibits at the international DeSForM 2012 conference, the Modular Display Units design is about elegantly incorporating 2d visual information into the standard exhibition plinth, while creating a more dynamic sense of presence and prestige. The display units are still being used by Victoria University of Wellington to display students’ work.
Visualization of finished exhibition system
Visuals and information as a structure
By incorporating banners as the suspension structure, the exhibition space becomes an exhibit in itself. Utilizing this system, units can be placed at different heights to cater to different situations. Placing a larger exhibit just a few centimetres of the ground, the object “floats” providing a stronger sense of presence. In contrast smaller objects can be placed at eye level, allowing viewers to get a closer look while maintaining an open uncluttered space. Having objects partially obscured invokes curiousity in the viewer, allowing them to peer in and discover whats inside.
The right display unit to show off the exhibit
Units can be customised to the exhibit. Exhibits can be placed inside the unit or on the unit. For example a dress may be suspended inside a tall shallow unit, framing the garment. Whereas, a vase may be placed on a larger flat unit, giving it a sense of distinction. This allows each exhibit to stand out in its own way.
Free standing display units
The design of the suspended units can be adapted to free standing units for an integrated use of suspended and free standing units. The free standing units can include a glass top for small high-value exhibits such as jewellery.
Hanger system
Full system diagram
Initial Concepts
The brief for this project was to develop a exhibition system for the international DeSForM conference that was being hosted by the university (Victoria University of Wellington). The system was to utilize computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) while incorporating display surfaces, screens, vertical surfaces for banners/posters and a way of protecting precious objects from breakage and theft.
Suspended system utilizing modular pieces
Modular system that mimics the characteristics of a plinth without the bulk. Potential to use scaffolding for the frame combined with sleek minimalist surfaces make for a industrialist yet minimal look.
Original concept for the Modular Display Units system. The main idea was to elegantly incorporate banners into the exhibition system while maintaining the sense of presence that is associated with a plinth.
Development
Below is a few of the iterations I went through before getting to the final design. I was trying to keep to the idea of "Design less components that do more". While the ideas below worked in functionally, they didn't make for very dynamic exhibitions. I decided to go in a different direction "Design one solution that adapts to everything". The boxes no longer needed to cater for different situations because each one would be made specifically for its exhibit.
CNC aluminum joiners connect two units to create a larger surface. Screens are mounted in a aluminum frame which sits on top of standard box.
"Hollow" units lend the idea of mass below the exhibit, referencing a solid a plinth. Another play on the idea of presence without the bulk/weight.
Unit for holding screens
