Episode 1: Sustainable Exhibition Design

This episode allows us to eavesdrop on Gitta and Summer as they discuss exhibition design, specifically focussing on their experiences in designing sustainably. Gitta and Summer share the techniques and tools which they've incorporated into their design, development and evaluation processes. We have the opportunity to hear Gitta and Summer's ideals for how sustainability may be better addressed within exhibition design in the future, opening the door for us to join the conversation.

Gitta Gschwendtner

Gitta Gschwendtner is an installation, exhibition and furniture designer, known for her conceptually rigorous, visually intriguing and functional designs.

When my family and I visited the London Science Museum we were entirely absorbed by Science City, a permanent gallery exploring how science shaped London from 1550-1800, designed by Gitta in 2019.

This is not the only design of Gitta’s you will recognise, she has also worked with the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Welcome Trust, the British Council, the British Museum, the South Bank Centre, Guys Hospital, the National Trust and many more. Gitta’s ability to interpret stories through her work has led to the design of many captivating pieces, including Chair Bench for the V&A Furniture Gallery and a series of my favourite designs, her Uncanny Lamps which are also in the V&A collection.I first met Gitta when she was my 2nd year tutor at university and I was extremely lucky to learn from Gitta as well as her long time collaboration partner Carl Clarkin.

Currently on Gitta’s desk is her work for the Urban Natures project for the Natural History Museum, along with the 3d interpretation designs for their gardens due to open in 2024.

gittagschwendtner.com

Summer Islam

Summer Islam is a founding director of Material Cultures, a not for profit organisation which brings together design, material research and high level strategic thinking to make meaningful progress towards a post carbon built environment. The design team provides design services working with the public, private and 3rd part organisations interested in developing and delivering a regenerative low carbon built environment. Summer’s work with Material Cultures spans design and research work, Summer also has educational experience with University of the Arts London, and teaching at the Bartlett University College London, London Met and University of Cambridge. Material Cultures’ design research was articulated through their book Material Cultures: Material Reform, published in 2022. Today we’ll learn more about Summer’s expertise in design including exhibition design which moves our thoughts and practises towards designing for a post carbon future.

materialcultures.org

Designers' Voice is a monthly audio series, each episode is recorded in person in a different location. This is a self funded project. Each episode is presented and produced by Alys Bryan, expertly filmed and edited by Daniel Budda.

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