Design Museum London / /

EIGHTY MILLION POUND PLANS UNVEILED TO CREATE WORLD’S LEADING DESIGN MUSEUM IN LONDON.

 

'The new Design Museum, which is an £80 million project, will open in 2014. The Design Museum fundraising target is £44.66 million of which it has secured more than 60% through the support of a number of individuals and trusts and foundations.'

'Designs for the site have been produced by two of the world’s most innovative architectural practices: John Pawson has redesigned the interior of the Grade 2* listed building and OMA has planned the surrounding residential development'.  Source

At first glance, I was impressed.  The particular image above is a portrayal of power and confidence.  The strong lines and geometry reflect the structure behind design and the strict rules it can follow.

      However, further into research, I found myself feeling slightly claustrophobic.  Despite the layout of the exhibitions and open plan interior, the dark surroundings give more of a relaxed department store vibe than that of a building who's primary focus is of design.  The focus seems less on the work and more on the architecture.

      Against this, it is important to note that if we always have these structures for exhibiting work, such strict rules, then (placed into the context of an exhibition space) without challenge, observers begin to

       "Mindlessley dance to the' rythm of their own opression"  Adorno, 'On popular music.'

Which sounds a little heavy, however, it is true.  It is easy to look past the work when it is placed on a plynth.  A relaxed atmosphere could encourage some form of dialogue on the work where people feel less judged.  Instead of shouting 'I am here! Look at me!  But don', the work Perhaps this different approach to exhibiting work is in fact something that a building who's primary focus is of design would and should do?


/ / More thoughts to come.