David Gilbar

This is David Gilbar, a graphic designer in Vancouver.

Below you can see examples of several major exhibit design projects that I’ve completed recently at the Beaty Biodiversity Museum, a new natural history museum in Vancouver. Each of these includes a brief description of the project, as well as a breakdown of the basic design elements.

SHADOWBOX DISPLAYS

The most visible educational elements in the Beaty Biodiversity Museum are the shadowbox displays. These displays educate visitors on biodiversity, and are embedded within the cabinets that store the museum’s collections. I have designed one third of the 122 shadowbox displays found throughout the museum.

  1. The text tells the story behind the shadowbox display.
  2. Specimens are photographed and digitally mocked up for review purposes.
  3. Photographs are museum originals or sourced from contributing artists.
  4. Vector-based maps and other original museum assets are used.
  5. Supplementary text is used to further the narrative of the display.
  6. Display-specific illustrations are designed to suit the display.
  7. If applicable, relevant Biodiversity Centre research is detailed.

DRAWERS AND DRAWER TOPS

While not as readily visible as the shadowbox displays, the drawer units comprise the bulk of the educational content at the museum. Each of these thirty-two units has seven displays and each explores a cohesive theme. I have designed over one third of the 224 drawers and drawer tops.

  1. Informational graphics are created based on available data.
  2. Supplementary text is used to further the narrative of the drawer.
  3. Specimens are photographed and digitally mocked up for review purposes.
  4. The text tells the story behind the drawer.
  5. Display-specific illustrations are designed to suit the display.

CABINET LABELS

Each of the 1188 cabinets in the museum is marked with a label. There are two types of labels: one which introduces a given group, while the other engages visitors with the cabinet contents. I designed over half of the cabinet labels and managed the project from the initial design process all the way through to final fabrication and installation.

  1. The contents of the cabinet are indexed for curatorial use.
  2. Indicates the scientific and common name of the group contained.
  3. Photographs are museum originals or sourced from contributing artists.
  4. Identifies the given group’s place within the tree of life.
  5. Indicates the name of the subject depicted on the cabinet label.
  6. Original photos are used when specimens are available and presentable.
  7. The contributing artist is credited for use of their image.
  8. Introduces a background narrative relating to the group contained.