universal design studio: wildlife photographer of the year exhibition design

installation view of the veolia environment wildlife photographer of the year exhibition designed by universal design studio
image courtesy of universal design studio


for the third year in the row, london-based universal design studio has developed the presentation space for the
veolia environment wildlife photographer of the year exhibition, located within the waterhouse galleries of the british capital's
natural history museum. in collaboration with bibliothèque design, universal presents the show graphically with distinctive
title branding and image captions, including individual information panels which guide visitors around the space
and telling stories of each category.



each of the selected images is shown on a custom designed light panel
image courtesy of universal design studio


the exhibition is arranged over five sub-galleries formed from a free-standing pavilion structure made of a lightweight aluminium frame
and a gradient of stretched scrim fabric. the installation begins with a series of large staggered panels, producing full height entrances
which open up into smaller rooms, creating a more intimate view of the photographs that are on display - each individual image
is shown on a custom designed light panel. the space starts almost-white, with each subsequent room darkening in shade,
subtly increasing the contrast of the architecture with the photographs. eventually it builds up to a large black monolith displaying
the successful winning photographs from the competition, with an open cinema space situated within, defined by a lowered ceiling,
creating an intimate and immersive environment.



the installation consists of a lightweight aluminium frame covered by a gradient of stretched scrim fabric
image courtesy of universal design studio


the structural framework housing the exhibition is a flexible, modular system that can be re-used and re-aligned for upcoming programs.
the fabric walls shift in transparency and opacity, shadow and light, poetically reinforcing, revealing and concealing the
photographic contents on show. custom light details of strongly lit end sections and chapters create beacons that guide visitors
through the shadowy exhibition, contrasting with the back lit images.

the overall concept of the space was to create a pavilion of transparency and shadow, a visual and physical counterpoint
to both the clarity of the images and the gallery in which they are displayed.



the exhibition features many custom light details which act as beacons, guiding visitors through the space
image courtesy of universal design studio



external view of the exhibition
image courtesy of bibliothèque design



an open cinema space is situated within, defined by a lowered ceiling, creating an intimate and immersive environment
image courtesy of universal design studio



detail of individual display screens
image courtesy of universal design studio



image courtesy of bibliothèque design


image courtesy of bibliothèque design



floor plan layout
image courtesy of universal design studio