‘Who am I?’ is a permanent display at London’s Science Museum dedicated to genetics, identity and brain science. Originally opened in 2000, the gallery content was updated in 2010 in line with the latest advances in genetic research. The original design team was invited back to refurbish the gallery.
GTF’s new identity utilised a palette of pastel-coloured particles and was applied to the gallery’s three central exhibits in association with interactive developers AllofUs. The result was an interactive entrance graphic; an interactive table where visitors answer questions about their identity; and an enormous screen that displays the results.
The interpretation system for 14 object-rich showcases included case introductions, object group texts, individual object labels and object numbers. By using bespoke moulded silicon and anodised aluminium components developed with product designer Jochem Faudet, the snap-together system of interchangeable components allowed text to be displayed on shelves, walls and rods at the most appropriate angle for ease of reading.
Each case also featured an introductory text cast in black and clear silicon, attached to the case glass with embedded magnets. The scale, position and setting of text throughout had to comply with the museum’s stringent access-for-all criteria and the Disability Discrimination Act.
Blob Dylan, a silicon character, stood at the bottom of each case, putting questions to younger visitors.
The gallery also features interactive displays housed in Casson Mann’s Bloid structures. Each Bloid’s title appeared in recessed lights, following the contours of its surface.
Exhibition design: Casson Mann
