The National Museum of Australia engaged SUPERSENSE to revitalise ‘The Gandel Atrium’ – the largest space in the building and the arrival point for the Museum – housed in a purpose-built structure designed by Architects ARM. Our team worked closely with the Curatorial, Exhibitions, Registration, Conservation, Digital, Functions, Corporate Development, Lighting, and AV Departments to realise an ambitious and immersive design that transforms the visitor experience of the space.
SUPERSENSE developed a 2-tier interpretive display concept to present the Museum’s main collection areas. Two large objects – the Muttabuttasaurus and a 1955 FJ Holden with Propert ‘Trailaway’ caravan – anchor the space on elevated plinths, while smaller objects are displayed inside showcases integrated into the curvilinear architectural columns of the building.
A compelling central interpretive focus was created for the space, featuring a bespoke concentric circular support and lighting rig for Kamilaroi artist Reko Rennie’s sculpture ‘Untitled (Bogong Moth)’. All exhibition infrastructure has been designed to be adaptable to accommodate ongoing exhibitions.
The reception desk and cloak room were relocated to a new, more functional location. The introduced elements are cylindrical and minimal in form to complement the surrounding curvilinear architecture and avoid visual conflict.
The main challenges of the space included decluttering and rationalising existing displays and creating a compelling immersive experience befitting an institution of this stature.
The project addressed:
• Creating a compelling sense of arrival
• Evoking museum themes and stories
• Providing solutions for a multi-use entry/exhibition/function space
• Increasing amenity for entry requirements and security
• Accentuating views to the landscape and contributing to a constantly refreshed exhibition program
• Displaying objects in a naturally lit space
• Enhancing and honouring complex geometric architectural forms
• Improving circulation, orientation, and wayfinding.
Modular concepts, thematic design, digital opportunities, and iconic object identification were key aspects. Curatorial depth was enhanced through communicating different narratives simultaneously and using diverse exhibition techniques across 2D and multimedia platforms to create an experiential design.
As part of the project, SUPERSENSE developed a donor wall system to recognise significant contributions, designing a reconfigurable donor 'terrain' wall that incorporates a transparent braille element.
