Internal Tensile Architecture, Design Museum
The London Design Museum‘s interior was designed by architectural designer John Pawson. Dominated by its hyperbolic paraboloid roof, the multi-storey atrium is the largest space in the building. providing a dramatic, triple height space with stunning views of the iconic roof and surrounding architecture.
It was always intended to be a space for artworks, but very few have been housed since the building opened.
Brief
ARC was approached to design and install an interior art installation system in the atria to facilitate future art installations in the vast roof space.
Our team worked closely with the museum to design and engineer a bespoke lightweight cable suspension system that would allow a variety of multimedia exhibitions to be dramatically displayed in the atrium space.
outcome
It was a job that posed many challenges. From an engineering point of view, the team worked hard to create a system that would facilitate a range of loads and allow for maximum flexibility in the media used on future installations.
The system debuted with an interactive installation created by Mamou-Mani Architects and the Dassault Systèmes Design Studio. Aurora is a 3D modular installation demonstrating the principles of circular architecture from material selection to design. The next exhibition is still to be confirmed but with an awe-inspiring giant chandelier among the options, we can be sure to expect drama, beauty, and maximum impact.
“From the initial design brief meeting onwards and throughout the project having Arc working alongside the museum was an invaluable differentiator, Arc’s flexibility and appetite for conjuring up bespoke solutions were key to achieving our aims.”