Students on the Information and Communication Design course have developed a new exhibition concept for the Duisburg Bee Museum as part of a competition. Felicia Ghercavii’s design, ‘Beechive’, won over the jury and is set to be implemented shortly.
As part of the ‘Type in Space’ study project, led by lecturer Christian Stindl, 18 design students developed ideas for the redesign of the Bee Museum’s exhibition. “In terms of content, we’re in tune with the spirit of the times,” says Wolfgang Neiß from the BiMu. “But in future, we also want to meet the expectations of the modern museum visitor. Visitors shouldn’t just look around; their time here should be an experience.” A first step in this direction has already been taken: last year, students from the university designed, amongst other things, an interactive wall for the museum. Recently, the students presented the results of this year’s study project to a six-member jury, which included architects and journalists. The proposals covered the façade as well as the use of interior space, the furnishings, graphics for publications and interactive media elements. Ideas for leaflets, business cards and the museum’s website were also included.
The expert jury selected four winners: first place went to Felicia Ghercavii, who presented the ‘Beechive’ concept, designed to enable the museum to display numerous exhibits in a small space whilst still providing clear wayfinding. Visitors can largely decide for themselves which exhibits to focus on. Second place went to Christina Schmidt, followed by Nora Warschewski and Paula Wessel.
The Duisburg Bee Museum intends to start implementing the ideas very soon. “Perhaps we’ll be able to showcase the fruits of our collaboration with Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences as early as this autumn,” said Neiß. The museum is run by volunteers. During guided tours of the exhibition, visitors learn a great deal about insect decline, swarm intelligence and alternative medicine. Well over 2,000 schoolchildren and bee enthusiasts of all ages visit the museum pavilion on the grounds of the Albert Einstein Gymnasium in Rumeln every year.
