Art Space, a project reimaging how local artists could be exhibited within libraries, required an innovative exhibition system. Libraries’ community focus makes them ideal spaces for exhibiting local artists, but also difficult ones. As a visually dense public space it risks relegating artwork to easily ignored decoration. To protect it from being so swamped, it risks disconnecting it from place.
Design Response
Our concept was a gallery distributed among other spaces, overlapping with the existing architecture. As a kit of parts each Art Space is a fragment made from fragments. The primary components are two aluminium channels – one custom extruded, the other folded. One channel provides attachment for artworks, the other, clipped into it, provides rigidity and cable concealment.
Attached to the channels are hooks for 2d works, vitrines for jewellery and small sculptures, led lighting, and monitors linked to a multi-channel control unit. Maximising flexibility, we accommodated visual cabling rather than increasing complexity attempting to eliminate it.
Through the arrangement of component parts each Art Space establishes a subtle, particular presence – an aspect of its host library, expressed as a pattern: as the space between two doorways, the intersection of a ceiling grid and the edge of a bookcase, the intensity of light, the shadow cast from a nearby window.
Art Space Design Characteristics
Key values
Kit of parts
Rail system is consistent but reconfigurable
Robust materials
Simple, logical installation procedure
Highlighting but not overwhelming exhibited work
Key materials
Custom extruded and laser cut custom folded aluminium
Natural and colour anodising
Clear acrylic display boxes
LED lighting
Design Specifications
Core deliverables
Exhibition support system
Custom lighting
Display shelves with integrated lighting
Monitor mounting system
Electrical installation and cable routing
Services Provided
Concept Design
Construction Documentation
Tendering
Fabrication and installation review
Architect
Workshop Architecture
People
Project Team: Simon Whibley, Bahman Andalib, Piran Reitze Engineer: Chris Drzewucki, Façade Engineering Metal Fabricators: Ullrich Aluminium, Douglas Sheet Metals Acrylic Fabricators: Apresto Plastics Installation: In fabrication
Works By Bianca Hester + Bryan Spier appear courtesy of Sarah Scout Presents, Meredith Turnbull courtesy of Pieces of Eight Gallery
Client
City of Casey
Date completed
August 2015
Location
Libraries in Doveton, Cranbourne, Lynbrook and Endeavour Hills, Melbourne
Art Space Testimonials
With the advent of the new Art Space system applications to the Art Space program have risen by 30% in the first year with growth in the sales of artworks. The experience of audience members have been reported as exceedingly positive across all the new spaces with specific comments around the ingenuity of the system and attractiveness of the design.
Simon Doyle, Arts Development Officer, City of Casey
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