Approaches to adaptable and inclusive exhibition - Architecture pilot space for the Museum of Architecture and Design
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School of Arts, Design and Architecture |
Master's thesis
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Date
2024-11-18
Department
Major/Subject
Interior Architecture
Mcode
Degree programme
Master’s programme in Architecture, Landscape Architecture and Interior Architec
Language
en
Pages
129
Series
Abstract
The Finnish Architecture Museum and the Design Museum are in the process of building a new museum facility intended to unite both institutions under one roof. To prepare the groundwork for designing a new collection exhibition, the museums wish to develop their understanding of their audiences’ wishes and needs regarding exhibition content and display. This thesis examines how an adaptable and inclusive exhibition design process can support the user experience from both museum and visitor perspectives. Designing an exhibition space as a prototype for the commissioner consitutes a major part of the thesis. The commissioner will continue testing and refining the concept in collaboration with the users after the thesis concludes. A principal aspect of this thesis is exploring methods to create a space beneficial for adaptability. In this thesis, the key elements for adaptability have been the design process of adaptable exhibition furniture and the reuse of existing structures and materials. Inclusivity is another central topic in developing interior architecture and the museum field sustainably. This thesis explores inclusive design through the lenses of universal, sensory and participatory design. These concepts lay a foundation for developing an exhibition space that is truly inclusive for all, centres on the active involvement of the museum team and the visitors, and explores inclusive approaches for diverse ways to perceive and process information. The literature about adaptable and inclusive design together with regulations constitute the theoretical background of my research. Designing and constructing an actual exhibition space allows observation and analysis of the process and its functionality. Reference spaces similar to the one studied, workshops and discussions with museum professionals give a better sense of spatial elements in reality. The real-life project revealed practical limitations, requiring compromises between inclusivity, adaptability, ambition, and creativity. Communication with the commissioner enhanced the understanding of their and visitors’ needs. Overlapping challenges with architectural limits, inclusivity, and adaptability guided decision-making while restricting design innovation. Time and budget limitations constrained prototyping and testing opportunities, leading to unexpected assembly challenges with the furniture. However, as the space functions as a testing laboratory, these issues are acceptable, with potential for future improvements.Description
Supervisor
Kareoja, PenttiThesis advisor
Siitonen, TuomasKeywords
exhibition design, adaptive design, inclusive design, participatory design, sensory design, universal design