Exhibit Concept

The units suggest a rhythm alternating between enclosed house-like structures and open spaces (see Exhibit Walkthrough). The “walls” are made of modular components- display cases, text/graphics panels, vitrines, fabric banners- with the “windows” and “doors” the open spaces between these components.

This layout conveys the implicit message that in the African context health and healing is a supremely human and social story that unfolds in the semi-private spaces of countless homes and in public courtyards or squares of local communities. These domestic-civic-urban spaces often overlook fields and open spaces of nature.

Multiple levels of text guide the visitor: first level exhibition section texts are located above the exhibitions proper or from banners; second level titles, announcing the sub-sections, are on or above the exhibition components; interpretive texts are section and subsection specific; objects all have identifying texts, some have interpretive texts.

Although the walkthrough follows a particular linear course through the exhibition, the sections are self-contained and a visitor who roams through them in any order will easily grasp the depth of each theme and the logical connections between them.


Design Concept Elevations

(click on concept sketch for larger image)