When What You See Really Is What You Get. Exploring The Exhibit Design Process.
- Gecko Group
- May 6
- 2 min read
Updated: Oct 3
We’ve all had it happen – you order something based on the picture and description and when it arrives, it is NOTHING like you expected. Too big, or too small; too shiny or too dull, it does not meet your expectations. That can leave you feeling frustrated, cheated, and somewhat helpless. It is bad enough when it happens with something small, when it comes to exhibit elements and interpretive signage, it can spell disaster.
At Gecko Group, we pride ourselves on our open communication throughout the process and a commitment to high standards that ensure what you see throughout development is what you get in the end.
Here are just a few examples of projects we've worked on from concept to installation.
PLEASE TOUCH MUSEUM: FOOD & FAMILY EXHIBIT
Food & Family brought a modern look and feel to the traditional Children’s Museum grocery exhibit. To reflect the communal aspects of food, shopping, and cooking, the exhibit integrated a home kitchen and community gathering space alongside a fabulous kid-sized grocery store.
An exciting feature of the new grocery store was the inclusion of a pizza kitchen. Visitors could work as pizza chefs, or as customers.
In design development, the finishes, functionality, and positioning of the pizza oven area were refined and finalized.
The final result was an engaging, fun experience for all visitors to the Please Touch Museum.
NATIONAL AQUARIUM: HISTORY & LEGACY WALL
The History & Legacy Wall at the National Aquarium in Baltimore provided visitors with insights into the rich history of the institution as well as providing a place to honor legacy donors to the Aquarium.
During schematic development, 3 approaches were presented to the exhibit design. The client liked options 1 and 2 best.
Those two approaches were combined during the design development phase.
The final result is a vibrant, captivating installation that honors the Aquarium’s rich history alongside the people who made it possible.
JOHN JAMES AUDUBON CENTER AT MILL GROVE
This exhibit, designed specifically for the new Visitor Center at the John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove focused on the amazing world of birds. Rather than create hyper-realistic elements, the design took a more stylized approach with modern shapes suggestive of trees.
Throughout the exhibit space, freestanding units were framed by stylized trees. Some trees were even complete with nests for visitors to find as they explored.
Another area created a stylized grove of trees, where visitors could hear different bird songs and learn about bird calls.
These are just a few examples showing what you might see in a Schematic or Design Development Phases package compared to the final installation. The fidelity between the design and the final product is no accident. It is the result of our time-tested process, our attention to detail, and our commitment to excellence. Have an idea in mind? Reach out- we’d love to work with you.
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