Exhibition Research
"RE" ExhibitionThe size and scope of this exhibition is similar to the one held at MCAST - Its encompasses a variety of different rooms over different floors and sections. Despite the exhibition being held over a number of different rooms there is a lot of consistency in the design and every room and design element looks cohesive.
The design is very clean and modern and has really good lighting. That being said though the overall design ends up being a little bit stark though and overall it looks a little bit dull. It needs more content and work on display or more elements to add contrast. One point to its advantage though is that the navigation is very clear and straightforward. One thing we have lacking in our school is that we don't have a good way-finding system so a lot of rooms that are towards the back of the school are overlooked. This design puts a lot of emphasis on the way-finding and navigation. I like how the navigational signs are a design element in of themselves and not just a function. I like the optical illusion they create by simulating the effect of depth and perspective. The branding is very iconic and incorporated into the overall design very clearly which I also really appreciate. |
Refined"Refined" is the degree show of the graphic design graduates from the 2011 Oklahoma State University.
I found this exhibition relevant to ours since the students were tasked with branding and constructing their exhibition space for their final show as well. Their exhibition is based around the branding they developed; "Refined" which takes the imagery of triangles and what too me looks like diamonds which really evokes the visual "refined gems". The 3D triangular polygon motif is carried throughout the design and is a prominent feature. It is a very elegant design and very appealing. The student photos are a highlight, they are very nicely photographed. The design is only confined to one room where the exhibition is being taken place in. But the design they have is very moody/ The lighting is subdued and it creates a very relaxing mood. I like how full the place looks and I think it owes to the black ceiling and brown coloured floor. Had it all been white it would have looked too plain and generic. The touches of hanging pyramids helps fill up the room and carries the design through. |
Exposure"Exposure" exhibition is a degree show of design students. Just like mcast this exhibition had to accommodate different courses like fashion design, 3d and graphic design.
There is no identifiable branding that is strewn around the design, but the design of the space is consistent and the style is identifiable. The space they're exhibiting in is not exactly aesthetically pleasing, looking like an incomplete workshop, but they incorporate this into the design and overall it has a nice grungy feeling to it. Personally I'm a fan of industrial looking places so this appealed to me. They took the texture of wood and applied to the rest of the space so overall the exhibition feels very natural and cosy feel to it, as opposed to the RE exhibition which looks stark and bare. The benefit to this design is that the design is very cheap, environmental friendly and requires little construction. Tables are constructed from planks of wood hoisted on concrete blocks. Instead of frames or boards it's planks of woods resting against walls. My personal favourite is the boards for the graphic design students where the wooden boards where constructed to look like draft tables. They're spacious and there's a clear line where one persons's work begins and one ends. There are a few nice touches like laser cut quotes stuck onto the board. There is not a lot of evidence of what the navigational system is like in the space, but from what I can gather, each section is labelled near the doorway about what is being displayed and these labels are also colour coded. The branding they created for the booklets and posters is nice although a bit generic. |
Additional Ideas
The following are some ideas taken from other exhibitions that I think would be a good idea if we can incorporate them into our final space or at least explore the option.
Interesting SignageAs I stated earlier, our exhibitions are lacking in good way-finding system. I think we need to incorporate a lot more signs of navigation as well as signs to label what section is what.
The signs themselves should be designed as a feature as well. I love these 3D signs, I think they're fun and grab your attention so you can't miss it. |
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Boxes as ShelvesI like the idea of instead having shelves we have little compartmentalized shelves to display our work in. We also have the option to design the box in any way we want in order to reflect ourselves and our work.
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Illustrated WallsSine the walls get painted over every year it would make it feasible for us to have an illustrated feature wall. This is purely for the aesthetics and it should be something that would not distract from the rest of the room/work on display.
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Book DisplaysFor anyone who has portfolios to display these are a few creative ideas on how to display them.
Hanging from string and secured with bull clips Hanging from protruding nails sticking out of the wall/cork-board. Displayed on mini shelves ect... |
Alternatives to Projection Mapping
Every year at the MCAST exhibition opening the students/lecturers put together a projection mapping display that gets projected onto the school tower. It's usually a mixture or 2D and 3D animation.
For this year we're looking into alternatives to the projection mapping and try and come up with new ways to put together a spectacle. The suggestion was still to keep some elements of projection mapping but integrate some interactivity (or any idea that we can come up with). The following are some of my suggestions, |
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Mixing projection mapping with live performance
One idea is to combine live action performance on perhaps the main stage or on the floor and sync it with live performances. There are some difficulties though with rigging up the cameras without any obstructions. The following 3 videos are examples of projection mapping mixed with live performance, although something on this scale might be hard to achieve since we'd need choreographed dance/movement and I'm not sure who would do the performance unless we collaborate with dancers or performance artists. |
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Projecting onto structures
The most feasible alternative to just having projection mapping is to have projection mapping onto the building (or not) as well as onto a constructed structure that compliments the theme and story of the projection mapping. |
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Interactive Projection mapping
Using kinect and other technology these two examples show how different ways of combining interactivity with projection mapping. Whilst the previous ones simulate the appearance of interactivity, these are actually interactive and not pre-scripted. The one that features dancing has a very nice effect. Something similar could be implemented and then either have dancers to perform a choreographed piece or instead have this as a interactive installation for the guests to interact with. The 2nd video is also an example of an interactive installation and is not as restrictive as the first one since not a big space is needed and no flailing bodies are involved. Involving the viewers in the experience someway is a good idea since it is sure to attract more attention. Fro my previous experience at the mcast exhibitions people were most drawn to installations where they interact with them. |
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Projection Mapping Examples
When looking for projection mapping examples, I really tried to look for something different to the previous examples the whole class had looked at and discussed for the last projection mapping.
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Studio 4
Studio 4 is pretty good as an exhibition space with not many obstructions. There are supportive beams running along the ceiling. They could be considered visually unappealing but i think they are an asset since they can be useful to hand stuff from/use as support for our own structures. The lighting is weak, with only 3 bulbs as a source. Light fixtures will have to be installed separately (whether they are spotlights/atmospheric lights).
The walls need a fresh coat of paint if we're using them bare or they need to be covered by artwork/installation/structure.
The walls need a fresh coat of paint if we're using them bare or they need to be covered by artwork/installation/structure.
Degree Room
This room shares a lot of similar traits to the other room. It had less lighting from the windows.
This room also has a large wall unobstructed (unlike the other one which has the pillars obstructing it) so we can have a large mural in place over there.
This room also has a large wall unobstructed (unlike the other one which has the pillars obstructing it) so we can have a large mural in place over there.
CorridorApart from the 2 main rooms we also have the corridor to exhibit in and use to our advantage.
The colours and various shapes are limiting to incorporate into a design so we'll have to find a work away around them. |
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Developing the Branding of the Exhibition
When we were first coming up with ideas for a theme and name for the exhibition we each had our own opinions and ideas.
I was very adamant on not having a pretentious one-word name. I wanted something long and playful, maybe even funny. Most of my suggestions were very humorous - too humorous for the others but we did eventually reach a compromise which ended up being "Paper to Screen". I offered some suggestions for logos by collecting research and discussing them with the others. I wanted something colorful and adaptable to every course. Why Paper to Screen & Everything in Between? At MCAST Art and Design, every student begins their creative process on paper. Every piece of work also ends up on screen, be it because we've taken a photo to upload or be it to digitize the work, it always ends up on Screen, hence Paper to Screen the everything in between is of course the process. Once we came up with "Paper to Screen" we allocated tasks to ourselves to take care of. I was in charge of promo/print. I also worked a bit with the wayfinding as well. I worked with michela on some promo posters and a promo video. My biggest contribution was in the concept of the promotional giveaways that can be used to encourage people to visit every exhibition space. The idea was to have a collectible in every different room (or class like photography, media ect...) and if they collect all of the collectibles the person can turn them in to get a free gift (my suggestion was a tote bag). |
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Exhibition Diary
06/05/2014 - Bake Sale FundraisingBefore we started working on construction the exhibition, we held a fundraising event to raise funds to help fund our construction.
One the event I helped out with the promotion by sticking up flyers and going around the school trying to encourage students to go to our stand outside and buy our sweet treats and mocktales. |
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13/06/2014
Handed in the thesis! WOOT WOOT
With the thesis out of the way I started helping on preparing the exhibition.
Not much work had been done at this point and there wasn't really much to do. We didn't have many tools or supplies. I worked on cleaning the room and scrubbing the doors clean since they were covered in dirt. We started putting some masking tape along the walls and edges. I also did some light painting on the walls since they were patchy and had a few dirty spots. We couldn't even paint most of the walls since they had obstructions covering them.
Not much else could be done at this point and everyone was leaving around 4 so I did the same.
With the thesis out of the way I started helping on preparing the exhibition.
Not much work had been done at this point and there wasn't really much to do. We didn't have many tools or supplies. I worked on cleaning the room and scrubbing the doors clean since they were covered in dirt. We started putting some masking tape along the walls and edges. I also did some light painting on the walls since they were patchy and had a few dirty spots. We couldn't even paint most of the walls since they had obstructions covering them.
Not much else could be done at this point and everyone was leaving around 4 so I did the same.
16/06/2014
First day where we properly got the chance to start working on the exhibition space.
We got a lot of work done today! We continued painting the rest of the room (Degree room) and painted all of studio 4 as well. We also had all of the boards to be used for wayfinding - we painted about 10 of the boards white and then me and Desiree went around the school measuring the locations of the boards since we knew some of the signs needed to be cut to fit in place. Once we took down the measurements we went back to prepare the remaining boards with the measurements so later on in the week they can be taken to be cut. We stopped at this point and left the boards to dry. We will give a second coat on the boards tomorrow. |
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17/06/2014
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This day we spent it 2nd coating of boards and even a third coat after they dried.
Among other things I started painting the orange wall although I had to leave before I saw the completion of it. |
18/06/2014
Today I had to leave early but even if I didn't there was not much work I could do. The orange wall was almost finished painted yesterday after I left as well as the striped wall in the other room. Both of the walls needed touching up though - especially the solid orange one. The striped one needed minor clean up, which we did, but the other one had lots of gaps along the edges and needed a second coating.
Only a little bit of orange paint was left so I did what i could to use up the last bit of orange paint to finish the wall. Despite this though the paint did not last. We had to wait for about 2 hours whilst the other from way finding went to go buy another tin of paint. During their absence me, Jeanette and Lorraine made an impromptu promo photo shoot. When they did come back we finished off the orange wall with a second coating and painted the sides and corners. |
19/06/2014
Today was a very slow day with not much to do. Painting was done and the signs were at a stand still until certain material arrived.
I stated off the day by cleaning the balloon lamps that were made from wool. They were covered with glue so we had to stay peeling them off. There weren't many finished balloons so we finished quickly. The next thing I did was help load the wood that needed to be cut at Frans's house. After we loaded them into a pick-up truck I drove with Lara, Roberta and the two Becky's to meet the pick up truck at frans's house and help unload them over there.
There wasn't anything left to do at school so we left.
I stated off the day by cleaning the balloon lamps that were made from wool. They were covered with glue so we had to stay peeling them off. There weren't many finished balloons so we finished quickly. The next thing I did was help load the wood that needed to be cut at Frans's house. After we loaded them into a pick-up truck I drove with Lara, Roberta and the two Becky's to meet the pick up truck at frans's house and help unload them over there.
There wasn't anything left to do at school so we left.
20/06/2014
I was unfortunately unable to go to school today as I had a very important meeting I couldn't reschedule. Luckily there still wasn't much to work on so I was not really needed at school.
23/06/2014The first thing we worked on today was collect the cut wood for the signs and stands from a truck outside and bring them in our classroom for storage.
After this the whole class prepared a little baby shower party for Michela and we all took a 30 min break to celebrate and eat :P After the celebration we were given a sample of the cut letters to be used on the way-finding signage. It was a little burn around the edges, but we tested it out on the wall to see if the untidiness around the edges were visible and if they were legible from that distance. They turned out to be fine so tomorrow we will start sticking them on the boards. Only problem is that they take really long to peel off so it's gonna be a long day tomorrow v: Me and Des painted the rest of the wood that we received today (for wayfinding). We had to work outside to paint them since our rooms where being occupied for construction of the displays. After the baords were done and they were all inside we got a finished batch of laser-cut letters to be used tomorrow so we'll start grueling task of sticking them tomorrow xP |
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24/06/2014Thre wasn't much work to do this morning, so it was a little slow, but I helped out by cleaning the light fixtures done by the construction group by removing the glue.
Around the time we finished, the fundraising BBQ started so we stopped to have a break. Around 2 we moved the signage boards from the classrooms into the jewelry workshop since they needed the space to finish construction. The jewelry workshop is were way-finding group will need to be working from. After we were done moving them me and the rest of the wayfinding team sat down to discuss how to proceed with the rest of the boards. The general consensus was that it is going to be way too time consuming to individually stick each letter to the board - to top it off it is going to be a challenge to make sure they are all perfectly aligned. We were given an alternate suggestion when Julian said the company he works for can print our text on transparent sticker paper so we could avoid having to place letters individually and instead stick one whole sheet. Everyone agreed with this so we presented the idea to Mr. Theuma and we will see the verdict tomorrow when we present him with a quotation of the costs. Not much else could be done with the boards at this point. The only thing I could do was paint these small planks of wood that we might use to stick above the signs in case it rains. I spent the last 2 hours painting these planks with Charlene and Graziella. Additionally, throughout the day Me and Desiree also sold cupcakes around the school (baked by Becky Barry) to raise additional funds along with the BBQ. |
25/06/2014I did not go in today - after yesterday I was advised that there wouldn't be much I could help with today.
The signage is currently on standby until the stickers are being printed (probably tomorrow) and then we could stick them on as well as the boxes. I asked around to see if there was anything to do to help out with construction, but the rooms are being closed off until construction finishes up all of the shelves and stands - I thought I could help out the two Beckys and Roberta with painting the stands and wrapping the wool but it turns out that they are gonna work on sewing the trimmings to be used in the room. I offered to help but they said they don't need any additional help (also i don't know how to sew :v ) I told others though I was on standby today if they did need any help at any point. With nothing left to do I decided I'll be using today to work on stuff for my exhibition space. UPDATE - we got a quotation from Julian's place of work and the total amount come to over 600 euros, which is a lot more than we estimated for Mr.Theuma yesterday (200 euros). We will have to wait for his reply tomorrow. |
Preparations for my Exhibition space:
Some of this stuff I can't print yet until I can see the actual finished space. |
26/06/2014
Today I helped out mostly with the construction team.
I spent the entire day till late working on the frames to go underneath the tables. The first thing was to mark the frames with notches where they need to be nailed and hammered. After completing this for a whole room, a bunch of us helped out with hammering in nails along the notches that we marked. The I spent the remaining day weaving the frames which took long to do, but were kinda enjoyable to work on. |
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27/06/2014Woke up really sick and I have a strong suspicion it has something to do with the takeaway food I ate last night at school >.> Couldn't go to school today :/
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28 /06/2014I was feeling better this morning so I went into school to see what I could help out with. There wasn't much i could do with signs, only a couple of the group were at school and they were upstairs working on the map. Once they didn't need my help I went downstairs to aid with construction - which again wasn't much I could help with. All I ended up helping with was painting the surrounding space around the window blue, added the stripes above and cleaned it up + the bars. (in degree 3D) I left after this since I had nothing else to do.
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30/06/2014
Exhibition is close! Still lots to be done but we managed quite a lot today especially from the side of wayfinding.
First thing we folded the boxes and took them down to jewelry workshop were we stuck the folded boxes to the jablo. Once we finished them all we stuck them to the boards and took the baords to their locations and started hammering them to the wall. Once all the boards were done I went to help out with construction by nailing and weaving the corners of the display stands since they had gaps and no frames to close them off. |
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1/07/2014
Only one day to go to exhibition opening. I was so busy with work that I didn't even have time to take any photos.
I basically worked on anything and everything. I fixed signs, printed extra ones, worked on the ceilings, fixed gaps with wool, cleaned up, helped with leaflets and pamphlets. I tried to help out with just about anything. I kept on going until the latest I could (which was until I was no longer really needed).
I basically worked on anything and everything. I fixed signs, printed extra ones, worked on the ceilings, fixed gaps with wool, cleaned up, helped with leaflets and pamphlets. I tried to help out with just about anything. I kept on going until the latest I could (which was until I was no longer really needed).
02/07/ 2014 - Opening Night
I went in early on wednesday to go set up my table and help out wherever I could.
There was a problem with the touch screens in that there wasn't enough wall sockets for all of them to be plugged in and they were overloading the extension plug. Luckily Frans managed to sort them out before I had to leave. Eventually everything was set up and the opening night came and it was amazing and lots of fun and I got a chance to give out free bags and notepads. |
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