Design Within Reach: Interpreting for Disability in the Human and Natural Disaster Museum

Practice Area

Client

University of Manitoba

Industry

  1. From interior design to graphic design, from name to acronym, all decisions were informed by a parti pris. Furthermore, decisions were guided by focussing on disability in the museum context.

  2. The core concept is based on theory of narrative structure, summarised as: equilibrium, disruption, resolution, and new equilibrium, and adapted for this project as environment, event, and legacy.

  3. Man-made and natural disasters, while disruptive and destructive, have the potential to initiate positive change. The museum name–the acronym–reflects this.

  4. Sub-brands are informed by the acronym (HAND). Imagery further supports the notion of something good can as an outcome of a disruptive event.

  5. The entrance on the lower level is meant for tour groups. Interpretation include tactile representations of imagery.

  6. In the lobby, signage is in the form of “supergraphics,” visible from afar. Structural columns are wrapped with signage to protect from accidental collisions.

  7. Signage includes an interactive screen for communication with a docent. All docents for this service are multilingual: English, French, and American Sign Language.

  8. Display cases act as a path. They also allow for views to the ground to help the deaf and hard of hearing. Colour and contrast help visitors with low vision.

Project Vision

This practicum project borrows from the narrative qualities of a typical exhibition as a means to guide the design of both public spaces and exhibition halls. Through the examination of the cultural context of the museum’s theme and location, design guidelines and the pedigree of the adaptive reuse, this project gave the designer a better understanding of the function of museums, the role of culture and heritage in design, and how to design a better visitor experience for all.

The foundation for this project is the notion that the exhibition is a sequence of experiences, in a heavily narrated and curated environment. The concept of sequential spatial experiences with undertones of communication led to theories of narrative as a theoretical framework. The core concept—the party developed for this practicum—is based on Tzvetan Todorov’s theory of narrative structure summarized as “Equilibrium, Disruption, Resolution and New Equilibrium” and translated for this project as “Environment, Event and Legacy.” The party informed the organization of spatial experiences within the building, the flow of the exhibitions, even the name of the museum and how it was represented graphically.

Project Details
Project Area

Document: 188 pages, 38,000+ words; Building size 190,000+ sq. ft (project area was less)