Data Pipe Dreams

Brief:

Peak15 was approached by DesignInformatics to design and conceptualise the exhibition identity for the 2018 Pavilion, a pop-up exhibition format DesignInformatics developed in 2016 to showcase research by students and researchers. Since 2016 the Pavilion is part of the Edinburgh Arts Festival and was prominently placed on George Street for 30 days during August.

Outcome:

Under the theme of Data Pipe Dreams, Biomorphis architects conceived an intriguing structure incorporating pool noodles on the exterior – a playful interpretation of the brief. This provided a great basis for our design interpretation: A surrealistic composition of intricate tubes winding and bending their way through the exhibition title, seemingly transmitting data. We kept the colour scheme minimalistic, working with the strict duo-tone approach for the exhibition structure. Visitors were given A2 posters, this year’s free take-away and print promotion, which were printed with spot neon colours. The highly versatile design was also translated for digital promotion and social media advertising.

Alongside the exhibits, we placed bespoke information panels in fluorescent yellow acrylic, the edges of which glowed under the lighting scheme. Due to the amount of exhibits, we decided on two panels each per artist, highlighting both exhibition title and artwork information.

For the wayfinding and exhibition signage outside the pavilion, we used pool noodles as components to display the exhibition title in vinyl – connecting the identity with the pavilion structure once more.

Impact:

The Pavilion had 6799 visitors engaging with new technologies and speculative designs. Tesco Bank was further involved in this years exhibition, who developed an app called DeedIT, which is still available to use.