The role of design in the development of museum exhibitions in Australia

This thesis is an investigation into the value of design and the role of the exhibition designer in the development of museum exhibitions in Australia. Five research questions were posed and a combined approach of case studies, interviews, questionnaires, phenomenological analysis and an on-going literature review were adopted in producing this thesis. To address the lack of serious descriptive writing by museum exhibition designers, the views of six noted practicing designers (three in the UK and three in Australia) were sought and three case studies of Australian projects designed by three prominent Australian designers were undertaken. For the first time, a comprehensive look “behind the scenes” of the exhibition design process is presented. There is continuing debate about curatorship, education, electronic technology and social media but very little debate or discussion about exhibition design in museum literature. It is argued in this study that such debate needs to take place and that it will be of significant benefit to museums, designers and the public alike. A surprising, but not unexpected finding revealed in analysing the responses of the design practitioners surveyed in the author’s questionnaire, was their suggestion that the introduction of new technology often has little to do with museum exhibition design—unless a particular technology offers an economically viable opportunity to create innovative and unique environments and presentations that offer the public a more effective and engaging experience. The result of the designer’s contribution to the success of exhibitions is there for anyone to see in any museum. What is not evident is how that contribution is made and whether it could be better made. While many museum commentators believe that the designer merely provides a decoration service, it is increasingly becoming apparent that museums today understand that the designer’s role is one of communicator. This thesis reveals that effective design is integral to the success of any museum exhibition and that, if appropriately employed, the designer fulfils a number of combined roles—as interior architect, graphic designer, industrial designer, furniture designer, display designer, lighting designer, scenographic designer and construction manager—but almost never that of simply a decorator.Submitted in the fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, University of the Sunshine Coast, 2016