June 2009
Using an inventive visual strategy that offers the visitor an experience akin to scientists exploring nature, Volume Inc. has redefined the approach to traditional museum exhibitions for the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park.
Under architect Renzo Piano’s direction, Volume Inc. collaborated with a design team to create freestanding modules, which float as a seamless extension of the building’s architecture. Unlike enclosed exhibits, the meandering quality of the open-air gallery encourages interaction and fosters discovery.
Volume Inc. founders, Adam Brodsley and Eric Heiman, studied how people use information to tap into a lyrical approach to information delivery. Using a hierarchy inspired by specimen display cases of early science, the visual language distills information into manageable snippets, without sacrificing rich content. The ‘specimen box’ design promotes a meaningful experience that allows the viewer to digest the exhibit based on intuition and interest level. This design solution reflects how people process content in contemporary times, offering a “2-second, 2-minute or 2-hour” visit.
Housed in a contemporary cabinet of curiosities, the exploration of the Island of Evolutions and Altered State: Climate Change in California exhibits is enriched by a variety of media–specimens, videos, interactive displays, sustainable direct-to-ply prints and low-energy LED lightboxes–that support the museum’s mission to protect the natural world.
"Volume's comprehensive approach to design and understanding of the exhibit experience was invaluable in accomplishing our goals for opening day,” said Chris Andrews, Chief of Public Programs at the California Academy of Sciences.
“They created a multi-layered, engaging visitor experience that drew from tradition and translated it in innovative ways.”
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