NGV in collaboration with Hassell, embarked on a comprehensive design journey to deliver the Design Wall 2023. The process involved several steps that culminated in an awe-inspiring experience for gallery visitors, engaging them in the rich narratives woven into the Melbourne product design.
The initial phase involved a series of workshops where the objectives of the Brief were meticulously analysed and the features and backstories of all thirty-five product designs examined.
The concept of ‘Designing for Disassembly’ underpinned all design and material decisions. It was important that the design was as sustainable as possible and that every material used could be reused. From there, the initial idea of a 'wall' motif evolved it into a grand 'shelving system' with an internal aisle, resembling a ‘super-store’ in scale, it allowed people to walk through the installation. This concept set the stage for an immersive experience for visitors.
Undergoing refinement, factors such as spatial layout, mounting arrangements for the diverse object types and quantities, materials, lighting, interactive element, and accessibility were all carefully considered. The result was a free-standing structure, placed diagonally through the gallery, featuring multiple wall elevations, multiple viewpoints, wide internal aisle and illuminated archways.
Detailed technical drawings and specifications were generated for precise communication of the design intent.
Aligning with sustainability principles, the galvanised steel scaffold system was sourced, designed to be disassembled for return and reuse, reducing environmental impact. Ply sheets were deliberately left raw and kept as full-sized sheets.
Prototyping and testing was conducted to validate the functionality, safety, and visual impact of the design making refinements through consultations with manufacturers and lenders.
The final phase involved a collaboration between NGV technicians and the design team. Over a three-week schedule, the installation came to life with a keen focus on detail, precision, and build quality.