‘Designing experience inside of artifact’

By embracing the ship as the primary storyteller and leveraging its exposed pipes, low ceilings, and compressed spaces as an architectural canvas, we infuse authenticity and emotional depth into the “Midway’s Engineers: Service, Sacrifice and Everyday Life” exhibits. This innovative approach transforms the ship's structural constraints into a vivid backdrop that brings history to life, making the exhibition not only informative but also profoundly moving. The experience serves as a powerful testament to the resilience and ingenuity that thrived aboard one of America's most storied vessels, capturing the magic of the Midway and honoring the spirit of those who served on it.

Human-forward, tactile & genuine

To create a captivating and multi-sensory experience, we employed first-person audio storytelling using the authentic voices of past engineers, allowing visitors to step into the shoes of the Midway crew. Through textured lighting and large-scale photography, motion-triggered audio and atmospheric soundscapes, motion graphics and interactive artefacts, the ship feels like a living and breathing organism that awakens and responds to visitors’ movements.

Existing and New

The exhibit elements should be presented in a distinctive way, so that visitors can differentiate the newly added elements from the historical ones.

Transparency

Scrims or similar transparent materials should be used to add transparency and expose the existing interior elements: walls, pipes, and even dirt and rust on the wall.

Physical Structures

Because of the tight space and respect for the ship, we will add a strategic amount of panels and walls to the space.

Challenges and Solutions

1. ‘Tight’ Space: VR Testing

Due to the ongoing site construction and demolition, we were unable to visit the location during the Concept and Design Development phases. To address this, we utilized a VR headset to gain a physical understanding of the tight space with its low ceiling and complex piping. This understanding enabled us to begin designing the exhibit with consideration for the visitor's experience.

2. ‘Messy’ space: 3D Scanning

The ceiling and walls were covered with numerous gas and steam pipes that the clients could not document. Additionally, due to the museum's unique conditions, we were unable to obtain 2D drawings or 3D files of the site from the clients. To align with the design strategy, I conducted extensive research to find a 3D scanning app that could capture all the details of this complex space. After testing various locations, including New York Subway stations, I eventually found an app that met our needs. I selectively scanned the space and created a 3D model, enabling the team to design elements that could be strategically integrated with the existing physical features.

3. Budget Constraint: Light, Sound, Micro Projector

Even with the limited budget of the project, which necessitated cost-effective solutions due to the high expense of projectors, we managed to maintain a dynamic visual experience. We strategically used projectors only where essential for specific experiences. Instead of relying extensively on projectors, we implemented gobo lights, speakers and micro projectors equipped with sensors to achieve our design goals efficiently.

4. Tight Timeline: Cross-Disciplinary Teamwork

The project had a tight timeline, with only eight months from the Concept phase to installation. To meet this deadline, we eliminated the barriers between disciplines through transparent communication and a holistic approach. The media, visual, and physical teams held ideation exercises together every week to develop solutions. By planning each week as a design sprint focused on specific spaces, we were able to rapidly generate ideas and make critical decisions.

5. Unexpected findings: Agility and Flexibility

During the process, there were always unexpected findings new pipes in the space, unforeseen floor conditions, new HVAC locations, high humidity without ventilation, and inaccurate dimensions. We always had to be prepared to adjust or come up with new ideas for design, fabrication, and installation without compromising the quality of the experience.

One example was that the day before our 50% presentation, we spent time observing visitors in other existing galleries. We realized that throughout the entire museum, people tended to continuously walk through the space without stopping to read, unlike traditional exhibition experiences. Additionally, the museum was extremely large. That night, we decided to pivot our original design, spending the whole night developing a new experience that better suited the museum and its audience.

Entry Experience

Upon entering, visitors are instantly immersed in the USS Midway's operational essence, with ambient engine sounds and floor vibrations that mimic the carrier's constant activity. This immersive introduction sets the exploratory tone and bridges the past and present, drawing guests into the heart of naval history and engineering prowess.

Steam: The Lifeblood of the Ship

Visitors explore how steam, generated by the ship's engineers, powered everything from electricity and propulsion to catapults for launching planes. A dynamic short film and infographics illustrate steam's multifaceted role, highlighting the ingenuity required to harness this power.

What is Engineering?

This gallery immerses visitors in the world of the Midway's engineering crew, centred around an interactive table where touching the artefacts triggers detailed stories of shipboard engineering. Items like the Engine Order Telegraph and Caliper Kit illustrate tasks ranging from communication to precision manufacturing, each enhancing understanding of the engineers' roles. This hands-on experience uses authentic tools and personal items, allowing guests to physically engage with the narratives of those who kept the ship running. Surrounding illuminated bunks showcase each engineering specialty, enriched with first-person testimonials and large-scale historic photos.

Who is Engineering?

This gallery transports visitors into a meticulously recreated living space of the USS Midway's engineers, complete with motion-triggered bunks and lockers filled with uniforms, letters, and personal belongings. This gallery fosters a profoundly personal exploration of the sailors' lives, enhanced by audio stories that make it feel as though the ship itself is coming to life and sharing its most intimate stories with you.

Fire! Fire! Fire!

This three-part gallery is the emotional climax of the exhibition, where visitors face the reality of shipboard fires. Archival footage on a large backlit screen sets the historical context, while simulated alarms, pulsing red lights and dramatic projections thrust visitors into a high-stakes emergency scenario. The gallery's intense audiovisuals create a palpable sense of urgency and danger, reflecting the critical role of engineers as first responders.

The narrative deepens in "Firefight: Every Second Counts," where guests enter a hands-on training environment designed as an object theatre experience. Tactical firefighting systems and tools are spotlighted through dynamic three-sided projections and deep, immersive sound detailing the intricacies of naval firefighting. This space not only educates about the vital importance of preparedness and skill but also uses choreographed visuals and sound to celebrate the stories of bravery and readiness among the crew.