The Design Wall at NGV is epic, here is how Hassell designed it

In the creative ecosystem of Melbourne, the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) continues to showcase its commitment to innovation and sustainability with the Design Wall 2023. Partnering with Hassell, the NGV is seeking to integrate artistic expression with eco-friendly design to create a transformative exhibition experience.

Located at the Ian Potter Centre, the Design Wall 2023 forms an integral part of the Melbourne Now exhibition, demonstrating the dynamic interplay between art and design, culture and commerce. The exhibition speaks to Victoria’s talent and creativity, represented by over 200 local artists and design studios.

Constructed with a galvanised scaffold framework and raw ply inserts, the six-metre-high installation is designed for disassembly. The wall cuts diagonally through the gallery, offering an immersive experience that showcases the spectacle of mass production and reveals the intricate nuances of design details.

Prue Pascoe, associate at Hassell, explains that they wanted the wall to resonate with the products it would showcase. Hence, they adopted systems already in production and off-the-shelf fixings. The design is deliberately elemental and presents an orderly backdrop to the vibrant displays of product design.

The exhibition underlines the importance of sustainability with its attention to minimal waste. The galvanised scaffold was rented, and display bays were sized to suit plysheet width, reducing material wastage. Notably, upon exhibition completion, the showcased products will find new homes through donation, redistribution or being returned to the manufacturers for on-sell.

Curated by Simone LeAmon, the Design Wall 2023 explores how society, culture, geography and market forces intersect to shape the landscape of Melbourne’s design scene. Divided into four themes — Change and Stability, Localities and Markets, Process and Proximity, and Creative Currents — the exhibition showcases 35 projects from 25 design studios across various sectors.