to what extent is sustainable design viable in the creation of exhibitions - 7aa003 - angel

HuiMin Lai (Angel)

1419982

7AA003

Critical and Reflective Practice in Design and Applied Arts

Contents

Abstract page 3

Introduction page 4

Chapter 1 What is sustainable design page 5OverviewEnvironment issues

Chapter 2 History of Exhibition page 8What is exhibition designExhibition in modern society

Chapter 3 Materials page 111 RQ: can the use of sustainable materials in the creation of temporary exhibitions lead to new

design solutions?

OverviewExhibition typeExhibition materials

Chapter 4 My practice page 15The process of temporary exhibition

Chapter 5 Sustainable strategies page 17Energy use TransportDesign for disassembly

Chapter 6 yo shimada page 19 Japanese architect, active in the temporary exhibits

Conclusion page 20

References page 22

Abstract

The research is an exploration into the sustainability of temporary exhibition, sustainable design which is called environmental design; it is a philosophy of interiors, physical, or product design according to the theory of ecological sustainability. Using analysis and solution of relevant literature, images and subject matter relating to environmental science, design psychology, construction engineering studies relating to particularly the effects on exhibition of materials and manufacturing. Chapter 1 of this paper looks into the principles of sustainable design; explain what are the sustainable design, and the relationship between environment, economic and social.

Chapter 2 is about exhibition design in modern society; explain what exhibition design is; and how people portray themselves in trade market. This chapter also included the case studies of exhibition which was influential in sustainability.

Chapter 3 looks at the exhibition materials, and estimates what material is suitable for exhibition design, and the analysis of manufacturer process and life cycle assessment.

2 HuiMin Lai (Angel) - 1419982

Chapter 4 analyses my designs in the context of contemporary practice, explain my work, combine with interact and temporary exhibition.

Chapter 5 an examination of research into cradle and cradle, the approach of the strategy, and looks into the environmental impact in energy use, disassembly after exhibition and how they transport. The case study of Yo Shimada, who is an architect in Japan covered in chapter 6.

This research positions my work as a sustainable practice with exhibition design, the theory, the handmade, the images and the analysis are all key elements of my process.

To what extent is sustainable design viable in the creation of exhibitionsIntroduction

This research concentrates on exploring the ways for sustainable materials availability on temporary exhibition. Without the situation of damaging the environment, how can material reuse after the temporary exhibits; which material is suitable for temporary exhibition though the analysis of sustainable material from the strength of materials, visual point of view and the impact of environment.

My work not only reflects to the materials of temporary exhibition, but also delivers to explain the exhibits and disseminate the intention of theme. It is stimulated by an interest in making people participate in this exhibition and achieving the purpose of communication. My work also looks at how to use design language as a form of exhibition, relationship between structure and materials are the most significant of the process.

During my work period, the research let me understand as a display designer, not only realize the relationship between material and structure in depth, but also analysis the design method of the exhibition, find the solution to the sustainability of exhibition. I spent most of the time wandering round the trade fair, art gallery and


biennial exhibition in United Kingdom, HongKong and Shenzhen, looked in the various of temporary exhibitions and their material using. I was fascinated by these exhibition stands some were using sustainable materials. Afterwards, I was curiously by the idea of a person becoming another form by the sustainable materials.

“The Encore Heureux architect” is an unusual recycled pavilion from Paris in 2015. The designer called Jean-Marc-Huygen (2015) said “about 60% materials achieve to regenerate. It keeps to the principle of circular economy, use waste materials regeneration become a new resources.”(2015) I am interested in using new materials rely on the new way with deconstructing and dismantling exhibition, the new material can be used in the next exhibition.

Jean-Marc-Huygen says that:‘In the history of humankind reuse is a common thing, whether it was bricks and stones of obsolete buildings, already existing foundations and supporting walls or whole buildings.’ ( Jean-Marc-Huygen, 2015)

Encore Heureux Architects, ‘The Circular Pavilion’, 2015http://www.archdaily.com/778972/the-circular-pavilion-encore-heureux-architects

Chapter 1What is sustainable design?

1.1 Overview

‘Sustainable design is an aspect of sustainable development’ (1972, UN conference, Human Environment, Stockholm)

Sustainable design which is a big discipline, it means to manufacture products that are only made of renewable resources, also known as environmental design. Whatever it is called, this type of design is just a philosophy theory rather than a practice. ‘Eliminate negative environmental impact completely through skilful, sensitive design’ (McLennan, 2004:8), which is the purpose of sustainable design. It is


a proof that sustainable design requires renewable resources. Meanwhile, influence on environment marginally, relating to human and natural environment. In fact, “a dynamic balance between economy and society in the area of human endeavour. And wanted to generate long-term relationships between user and service, and finally to be respectful and mindful of the environmental and social differences.”( Zoë Olivia John and Rodrigo Bautista, 2004)

“Designer who use sustainable design life cycle medium for the environment, the same as architects does for the building components. Also sustainability includes organizing and distributing of space for the users in the design, to reflect the ecological efficiency and flexibility.” (InformeDesign, 2006:4)

“In the past of the century, there were many inspiration examples of design that have challenged the designer subsequently. And before the year of 20th century, the quantity production of consumer goods became more popular, products have been facilitative in ‘new’ and ‘leading edge’, that is based on two major characteristic – ‘aesthetics’ and ‘technology’, these two features are the mainly focus of product designer who consist of the trend in fashion, style and colours and the engineering who know about the functional attributes and accessories.”(Stuart Walker, 2006:11)

“Nowadays, designers are facing new challenges that it related to the globalization of industrial capitalism the environment, national and transnational socio-economic disparities and rapidly evolving scientific and technological developments. Although the incremental changes, and solve these issues are vital and essential, it is also important to stimulate ideas that break down the tradition, and remodel our concept of industrial design and post-industrial substance culture.”(Stuart Walker, 2006)

Designers will change these ideas into form which is an important mission, but basically, the evolution of lasting, meaningful, and hopefully, and more friendly substance culture that is considerable for the strength of the ideas.

As a designer, working in a complete approach to develop sustainability; there have three requirements to deal with in sustainable development: social responsibility, environmental protection, and economic development. Therefore, in the process to solve the design problem, exhibition designer must assume the sustainable principles with aesthetic and functional; also include the construction, usage and disposal on the influence of exhibition.

1.2 Environment issues


‘The detrimental effects of industrialised manufacturing processes on social relations and the environment’ (John Ruskin, 1850), which was admitted to John Ruskin in the early years of the 1850s, “an example is indicated that arts and crafts movement at the end of 19th century and the Bauhaus in the early 20th century, to reflect contemporary concerns about economic use of materials and maintenance of human nobility, and an idealistic belief in the potential design to improve the environment.”(Stuart Walker, 2006) Therefore, designers require to be awarded of the broader environmental issues.

‘In 1995 the European Environment Agency defined the key environmental issues of the day as: climate change, ozone depletion, acidification of soils and surface water, air pollution and quality, waste management, urban issues, inland water resources, coastal zones and marine water, soil quality and biodiversity.’ (Fual-Luke, 2002:21)

The most relevant problems relating to sustainable design are followed below, these issues can be correlated.

1.2.1 Climate change

Climate change, which is often described as global warming, that is an environmental issue that we are worried about. It is caused by human activity which is included burning fossil fuels for energy and transportation, cutting down the trees for wood and agriculture, in particularly, carbon dioxide and methane what are harmful to the earth (Moxon, 2012). “As a result, more heat is trapped in the atmosphere, the main reason is the qualities of carbon dioxide delivered when human burn wood and fossil fuels for energy production. To prevent climate change that emissions of carbon dioxide must be reduced by using fossil fuels replacement.” (Karl Abeyasekera & Geoff Matthews 2006)

1.2.2 Waste

Most of our production approach is wasteful, because of our habits that throw away things and buy new things. The majority of waste is stored in landfill places; others are incinerated and dumped at sea. Many of these have a serious reflections; such as toxic chemicals crack into the soils and water supply and greenhouse gases. Rubbish in landfill does not biodegrade; the reason is the environmental conditions are not benefits. And pouring, it is better to reuse and recycling. Waste is a non-renewable consumption. (Nethan Shedroff, 2009)


Chapter 2 History of Exhibition2.1 What is exhibition design

Exhibition design is a field of practice; it is embodied four orders of design which is called objects, symbols, interactions and environments (2001, 2005). As well as design increasingly to solve the relationships between sustaining human and environmental, there have to require for design exhibitions to explain design processes and their interaction with specific culture and society. (Dr Noel Waite,2010:1) Exhibition designers, who are usually in a particular position to look into the interactions, create with audience together. Exhibition design, by comparison, it has been a catholic occupation, from a range of traditional trades and media, artists, graphic, industrial and interior designers and architects who are drawing on versatile innovators. (Alice Lake-Hammond and Noel Waite, 2015)

2.2 exhibitions in modern society

Nowadays, exhibition is more and more concentrate on society, because the trade fair, biennial and expo are a significant part of our daily life. Designers can better relevant to more recent examples of sustainable design from designers practicing in the past few centuries. Exhibition design is illustrated that a form of design style. It is a kind of visual art and aesthetic rule as the foundation to the activities of the organization and implementation. Also a way of conveying information. Exhibition design is a new, powerful and synthetic discipline; and relate to architectural design, environmental art design, visual communication design, product design, arena design, art of movie and other areas closely. Meanwhile, exhibition design is very complex in the technology, also provide people to spread and exchange information with a special stage.

Expo of 2015 located in Milan, Italy, which is an international fair. It was held under the motto ‘Feeding the planet, energy for life” (Alberto Mina, 2010) that is included technology, innovation, culture, traditions and creativity and how to people relevant to food and diet. (Herzog and de Meuron, 2009)

United Arab Emirates Pavilion was designed using a massive scan of sand dunes that transported the country's arid architecture to urban Milan (Foster, 2015). Looking out to the own sustainability information. “‘Some exteriors impress, this one amazes’ Whether it's the pavilion's façade enveloping visitors or the immersive presentations that put guests center stage, this pavilion, perhaps more than any other, manages to


shut out all ambient cues and cocoon attendees in a beautifully elegant and experiential ambiance.” (Expo 2015 Awards judge, 2015)

‘United Arab Emirates Pavilion’, Foster + partners, 2015http://www.exhibitoronline.com/topics/article.asp?ID=2020&catID=71

Bi-city biennale of urbanism\architecture located in Shenzhen, China. It is currently the only biennale in the world to be based exclusively on the set themes of urbanism and urbanization (Zhen Mei, 2016). Co-organized by Shenzhen and HongKong, that is a close relationship between two cites.

“Finland Pavilion was based on the original concept and design by Lassila Hirvilammi Architect, the two installations offer two locally defined interpretations of the same idea. One is made out of spruce logs in collaboration with a Finnish carpenter making use of the traditional Finnish methods and techniques of building with wood. Another, to be completed during the course of the biennale, is made out of bamboo in collaboration with Chinese carpenters making use of the local knowledge of building with bamboo.” (MFA, 2013) The aim is to agree with the local traditional value, use two types of materials combine two regional cultures traditional to innovation.

The director of MFA (right)


Use the material of wood.‘Finland Pavilion interiors’, MFA, 2013

Image photo by Angel, 2013

Use the material of bamboo.‘Finland Pavilion’, MFA, 2013Image photo by Angel, 2013

Chapter 3 Materials


3.1 Overview

A material world we are living in. “The material that we use is very large and increasing with population and economic growth. Energy and water use accompany material use. And now challenges the capacity of the Earth – air, water, and land- to withstand the many resulting environmental problems.”(US-EPA, 2009) There have an influence on the environment in a specific ways and times during their life cycle; such as the transportation and manufacturing of raw material consumes energy and produces carbon. But a material which is reused or recycled, the environment impact of material is reduced obviously. Using recycled and secondary materials replacement, the impact of materials are used in exhibition can be reduced, and thinking over the lifecycle impacts of materials from extraction to disposal after using materials.

3.2 Exhibition types

The permanent, temporary and travelling exhibitions can be used by most of the material resources production, so it is important contribution to sustainable development to coordinate efficient resource management in the conceptual stage of exhibition. (2006)

Temporary exhibitions which are used lots of material resources during a short period of time. The material of using also included wood, engineered timber, aluminium, paper, steel, and plastics. “Designers attempt to design some cabinets that take into consideration the sustainable design; it can reduce the wasted material greatly.”(Stuart Walker, 2006)

It needs to think over the size, weight and modularity while designing temporary exhibitions. The modularity construction can help to reduce wasted materials; also it will suit on standard size crates in temporary exhibits.

3.3 Exhibition materials

There have several materials are listed below, those are the most important materials used in temporary exhibition.

3.3.1 Bamboo

Bamboo is not only a sustainable material or directed by environmentally friendly, but also cost efficient in any other design projects.

In Chinese culture, bamboo is a symbol of oriental beauty; and there have 400 10 HuiMin Lai (Angel) - 1419982

species of bamboo in China, produced in South regions in China mostly. Many designers prefer to use bamboo, and designer who is from other countries also use bamboo as materials for creation.

Urbanisim/architecture bi-city biennale in ShenZhen,2013, photo by Angel, 2013

Bamboo installation, part of Landscape of Spectacle Exhibition, MisoSoup Design, TaiPei,China

More than 1000 bamboo panels covered the roof of the China’s Milan expo pavilion, called ‘land of hope’. (2015) the purpose of this project is to reflect both Chinese traditions and modern technologies. “The roof structure and the bamboo were both derived from traditional Chinese architecture, bamboo is a very traditional Chinese material, but we transformed it into something new” (dezeen magazine, 2015) Finally, the China pavilion is disassembled and transported to China after the Expo, and create a public facility for a park in QingDao Province, China. (2015)


China’s Expo Pavilion, Yichen Lu,2015

First of all, bamboo is a kind of natural antibacterial materials; it can help exhibitions where there have children and people who cannot get in touch with bacteria for fear of sickness. Another aspect, the characteristic of bamboo is a waterproof, when bamboo contact with water, it can be stain or deteriorate, so what is different from the wood. Actually, bamboo is an extremely durable piece of material, easy to install and disassembly. (Sustainablematerial, 2016)

3.3.2 Timber

The people from all over the world are concerned about the wood, timber is the backbone of construction all over the world. Although human cut down a large number of timber without considering the sustainable practices, we might seem that there is a sustainable timber.

Urbanisim/architecture bi-city biennale in ShenZhen,2013, photo by Angel

A sustainable timber is produced in a completely different manner, first of all, it will analyze the forest, make sure that the ages of the trees, the types of species, and values of trees. This series of factors will finally determine. In addition, the sustainable timber is the regeneration of trees. Therefore, timber is strong,


dimensionally stable and very efficient uses of wood for structural and engineering application. (Sustainablematerial, 2016)

3.3.3 Aluminium

Nowadays, at the scene of the major exhibition, aluminium becomes the most popular exhibition materials.

“Aluminium is a light-weight metal, and toughness and ductility, it can casting and extrusion into complex shapes; in particularly, it is important on transportation and construction. Aluminium is a conductor of heat and electricity combination, the temperature of 660 degrees can be recycled easily. By the reason of the surface is a layer of oxide film of aluminium, and also exposed to air, so it has the speciality of corrosion-resistant. Meanwhile, aluminium can change with other metals, improve their own original properties.” (Sarah Nichols, 2000)

Chapter 4 My practice A process of temporary exhibition

Temporary exhibition which appear for a short time, also for creating a temporary exhibition can be as same as creating marketing tool and better to have interaction with audiences.

My practice is based on the temporary exhibitions and the use of various materials. Although not exclusively I have developed a relationship with timber. Exhibition has associations with local fairs and market. Timber is a raw material, the durability of these materials has long time, and it can be recycled and easy to degradation. This materiality is a key feature of my process enabling me to create a unique physical representation, forming an exhibition of my ideas and experiences and also expressing a sense of myself.


The process of temporary exhibitionTimber from cradle to cradle.

( Images drawn by Angel , 2016)

Using left over from the first temporary exhibition of continue setting up on timber materials, it is not only have the effect of protection on the environment, but also effective to accelerate the construct of exhibition. Meanwhile, it also let me analyze the approach of exhibition, the timber material will disassembly and assembly at the end of temporary exhibition, and back to factory sealed and storage; design and plan the size of next temporary exhibition, make effective to reuse timber material, achieve to the sustainable design consequently.


Elements of temporary exhibition (reception desk, chatting area and part of structure) These elements can be reused and recycled to next exhibition after current exhibition end.

Images drawn by Angel, 2016

Interactivity is also an important element of my practice in temporary exhibition, how to combine with interact and exhibition, attract the audiences. So audiences can become part of the temporary exhibition, therefore interaction is a part of the exhibition. In this way to reflect the exhibition need to have a sense of belonging in society, and to redefine the relationship between exhibition and audiences.

Chater 5 Sustainable Strategies 5.1 energy use

There have two ways of energy which has to think about by designers. First is how the energy to be consumed is produced, and second is how the consumption of this energy during every stage of exhibition can be reduced. “During the operation, energy use has to be considered in the manufacture of the exhibition as well. It used in exhibition construction because of the extraction and conversion of raw material consumption” (Karl Abeyasekera and Geoff Matthews, 2006). Also happened in transporting materials between providers and business firms, and in publishing finished exhibits. “The inclusion of lighting, electrical appliances, compressed air, and powered interactive elements are all have energy use involvement during operation and maintenance.” (Karl Abeyasekera and Geoff Matthews, 2006) The designer should check into what regulations for lighting, heating, ventilation and power supply exist in the exhibition centre or venue for temporary exhibitions, so that it can avoid double up.

“If an exhibition need to its own power supply to run on a site, solar power packages for computer and small wind turbines for yachts already exist. If it is needed a artificial lighting, appointing low energy lamps can reduce electricity consumption. However, it is important to rescue and reuse long-life lamps in the temporary exhibitions to make sure the bigger capital cost to the customer is repaired in the


longer-term.” (Karl Abeyasekera and Geoff Matthews, 2006)

In the exhibition centre or venue, the light levels are limited to the lowest comfortable levels strictly, to protect sensitive exhibits and some of the materials. “The challenge for designers is in creating the most appropriate lighting for particular purpose.” (Karl Abeyasekera and Geoff Matthews, 2006:18)

5.2 Transport

“The unnecessary use of transport extremely demands on fossil fuel resources. The burning of petrol and diesel lead the carbon emissions and other toxic pollutants increasingly.” (Karl Abeyasekera and Geoff Matthews, 2006) Many exhibition centre or venues encourage people to use public transport or bicycle by offering a discount on the emission fee. This enhances environmentally, and promises sustainable principles.

A good sustainable design decisions also think about the transport. In the temporary exhibition, “transport needs during its operation, it may be significantly reduced; the smaller or lighter the freight, the less energy will be required to move it.” (Karl Abeyasekera and Geoff Matthews, 2006)

5.3 design for disassembly

Products can be designed so that their individual components can easily recover at the end of life (2006), it is benefits to recycle and reuse the materials. To reduce a number of go toward to the landfill is to design for the reuse of materials, that is an important way.

If an exhibition is designed for disassembly, waste can be reduced and lots of materials can be reused to another exhibition. Designers must consider disassembly from the conception stage.


Put a small piece of board between timber when exhibition disassembly, which can effectively prevent wet and decay, in this way, material can be reused in the next exhibition.

Images photo by Angel, 2013

Furthermore, designers should think about how to remove the exhibit and separating into several component parts, so that easy to install in the next exhibition by using the same structure materials. However, “most are designed for adaptability, easy to maintenance and storage; reduce the operational cost, which is also conducted to sustainability.”(2006)

Therefore, designers and clients should consider that their extremely flexible more completely resolve of sustainability issues.

Chapter 6 Yo shimada

Yo shimada is a Japanese architect recognised within the field of architecture. His work focus on the environmental which are for the human residence and installation. His works have themes which can be considered materials; also has an explanation to the visitors.

‘Paper tube shed’(2012) which is the work from Yo shimada. This exhibition which works in only four children, the structure easy to install, according to the sketch from Yo shimada, children start to build up the structure. The material all used in paper tube, and completed by entering the children dressed in colourful clothes.(Yo shimada, 2012)


Yo shimada, “Paper tube shed”, 2012

Conclusion

This piece of work investigated the way to reuse materials, and was an exploration into the possibilities of making work that responds to the issues of the generational differences between the exhibition or sustainable way of learning. Through studying the writing of Nathan Shedroff and Karl Abeyasekera and Geoff Matthews, I was able to achieve a better understanding of materials and the strategies that in sustainable design. A key finding was MFA’s ideas that there could be used two types of materials in exhibition and how to combine the cultures to innovation.

The designer I have researched all have elements to reflecting a sense of themselves through their works. I also gained a deeper understanding of how to reuse material into next exhibition, that is important to my practice; thinking about different methods in the exhibition that allow me to produce new way to reuse and recycle the material, and communicate my thoughts and ideas, in a modern society, the environment is the principal problem, it is important that do not waste resources as far as possible. Studying the material that for me to have a deeper understanding of material, and used in the later work flexibility and easily.

The aim was to make temporary exhibition work that would respond to these ideas; use the combination; firstly, finish part of the work in the factory, transport to the exhibition centre and install; it can make it build easily, quickly and conveniently. Also, use the combination after the exhibition, transport to the factory or warehouse from the exhibition centre, and storage; whatever the type of next exhibition, it can


use the same form of past exhibition to reuse the material in the new exhibition; it can achieve the sustainable material consequently. I could also incorporate the use of material in my work for the last semester project, and show the use of materials in the creation of temporary exhibitions lead to a new design solution; by making temporary exhibition that participants could see the relationship between material and environment.

This research positions my work as a material practice within temporary exhibition, the theory, the material and interactivity and serve as a basis for further development for opportunities and possibilities to create that combine with environmental and responds to current issues of society.

ReferencesNathan,S,(2009) Design is the problem

Moxon,S, (2012),sustainability in interior design. Laurence King

Thompson,R,(2013),sustainable materials, processes and production


Walker,S, (2006), sustainable by design

Fual-Luke,A, (2002) Ecodesign Handbook:a complete source book for the home and offirc

Michael,B. and William,M. (2008),cradle to cradle.2nded. Great Britain: Jonathan Cape

McLennan, J. F. (2004), the Philosophy of Sustainable Design

Sarah Nichols, (2000), Aluminium

United States-Environmental Protection Agency (US-EPA), (2009), Sustainable Material Management: The Road Ahead

Karl,A. and Geoff,M. (2006), sustainable exhibit design .2nd ed. University of Lincoln: design practice

implications, Vol 01 ISSUE 06, InformeDesign, 2006

Waite,N, (2010), Design History Exhibitions: the critical interaction of people and practice

Yunxiu W, (2013), the importance of exhibition design in modern society

Lake-Hammond,A, & Waite,N, (2015), Exhibition Design: Bridging the knowledge Gap

Sustainable material, (bamboo and timber)http://www.sustainablematerials.org.uk/resource/bamboo.html > http://www.sustainablematerials.org.uk/resource/timber.html >

Design revolution, Milan World Expo 2015:Feeding the planet, energy for lifehttp://www.designrevolution.org/milan-world-expo-2015-feeding-planet-energy-life

China’s expo pavilion, dezeen magazine.http://www.dezeen.com/2015/05/05/beijing-skyline-mountain-range-roof-china-milan-expo-2015-pavilion-studio-link-arc-tsinghua-university-bamboo/

Zoë Olivia John and Rodrigo Bautista ,’sustainable design research’, 2004http://engagebydesign.org/values/

Bi-City Biennale of Urbanism\Architecture (UABB), 2016http://en.szhkbiennale.org/Subject/


ImagesEncore Heureux Architects, ‘The Circular Pavilion’, 2015http://www.archdaily.com/778972/the-circular-pavilion-encore-heureux-architects

Foster + partners, ‘United Arab Emirates Pavilion’, 2015http://www.exhibitoronline.com/topics/article.asp?ID=2020&catID=71

Yo shimada, “Paper tube shed”, 2012http://tat-o.com/projects/820/

MisoSoup Design, ‘bamboo installation’, http://www.misosoupdesign.com/?p=1335


to what extent is sustainable design viable in the creation of exhibitions - 7aa003 - angel

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