Cooper Hewitt: Design Across Time Exhibition

Showcasing 125 pieces that span thirty centuries of design, the casework and displays for Design Across Time had to aesthetically support the curation while meeting the technical requirements of archival works.

Working in a design assist capacity with JA Projects and the museum staff, SITU Fabrication played a key role in detailing the casework and display elements to align with the project budget and schedule.

Since the Copper Hewitt is a historic and landmarked structure, care had to be taken to ensure the safety and preservation of the 125 year old interiors. Casework and platforms had to be self ballasting and wall displays couldn’t be anchored with screws or typical fastening hardware, necessitating a custom clip that is hung from behind the room’s crown molding.

The three main display cases that highlight some of the exhibition's most treasured possessions pushed the boundaries of standard vitrine construction. At nine feet tall the main case has a commanding presence and is the first display that visitors see upon entering the space. Full height panes of glass are rigged on sliding hardware so that objects can be accessed and swapped out during the two year exhibition while the structural columns act as a wire chase for the lighting and power supplies. Two additional vitrines taper to a triangular point, accentuating and framing delicately linear objects such as Victorian silverware and integrated LED lighting provides a soft border at the case perimeter.

Other elements include stained wood platforms, perforated metal backdrops and a 3d printed backlit signage that crowns the main entrance to the hall. SITU also designed and fabricated the two signage ‘Totems’ that flank the main entrance. Simple and elegant, these bent-metal shrouds frame and house the full-height LED display screens that provide context for the various programs on view at the museum without detracting from the beauty of the space or the exhibitions within.