Design and video games, Game On exhibition by Smart & Green Design
13/06/2020.
[MAD] Spain
metalocus, ANA DIOSDADO
metalocus, ANA DIOSDADO
Game on is the first major international touring exhibition to explore the history, culture, future and potential of videogames. The exhibition curated by the Barbican Centre was first shown in London in 2002 and has since toured to over 30 countries worldwide. In Madrid, Spain, it was coordinated by Fundación Canal, with a new design by Smart & Green Design for Canal de Isabel II water tank.
The exhibition design connects with the 80s, the golden age of video games in which the first experiments with vector graphics were made, where they managed to recreate pseudo-3D environments that, despite technological limitations, achieved a very convincing perspective and movement effect.
This "vector" aesthetic established itself as a graphic reference in the videogame world, and is the starting point with which to shape the exhibition space; a series of light lines that following different rhythms and geometries will create the identity of each exhibition area.
The exhibition design connects with the 80s, the golden age of video games in which the first experiments with vector graphics were made, where they managed to recreate pseudo-3D environments that, despite technological limitations, achieved a very convincing perspective and movement effect.
This "vector" aesthetic established itself as a graphic reference in the videogame world, and is the starting point with which to shape the exhibition space; a series of light lines that following different rhythms and geometries will create the identity of each exhibition area.
Game On exhibition by Smart & Green Design. Photograph by Javier de Paz García
Game On exhibition by Smart & Green Design. Photograph by Javier de Paz García
Game On exhibition by Smart & Green Design. Photograph by Javier de Paz García
Game On exhibition by Smart & Green Design. Photograph by Javier de Paz García
Game On exhibition by Smart & Green Design. Photograph by Javier de Paz García
Game On exhibition by Smart & Green Design. Photograph by Javier de Paz García
Game On exhibition by Smart & Green Design. Photograph by Javier de Paz García
Game On exhibition by Smart & Green Design. Photograph by Javier de Paz García
Game On exhibition by Smart & Green Design. Photograph by Javier de Paz García
Game On exhibition by Smart & Green Design. Photograph by Javier de Paz García
Game On exhibition by Smart & Green Design. Photograph by Javier de Paz García
Game On exhibition by Smart & Green Design. Photograph by Javier de Paz García
Game On exhibition by Smart & Green Design. Photograph by Javier de Paz García
Game On exhibition by Smart & Green Design. Photograph by Javier de Paz García
Game On exhibition by Smart & Green Design. Photograph by Javier de Paz García
Game On exhibition by Smart & Green Design. Photograph by Javier de Paz García
Game On exhibition by Smart & Green Design. Photograph by Javier de Paz García
Game On exhibition by Smart & Green Design. Photograph by Javier de Paz García
Game On exhibition by Smart & Green Design. Photograph by Javier de Paz García
Game On exhibition by Smart & Green Design. Photograph by Javier de Paz García
Game On. The history of the video game 1972-2020, the largest international exhibition on the history and culture of the video game.
Exhibition layouts always is a tough challenge, particularly at a time when everyone wants to convey unique experiences and deep emotions, and even higher when it comes to video games, 3D environments, and virtual reality.
These are the subjects of the Game On exhibition, a concept which since 2002 - when the Barbican Centre first showed it in London - has toured to over 30 countries to tell the story of the history and culture of video games.
Throughout 2,500 square meters of exhibition space, the visitor was able to take a tour of 15 thematic sections from the first video games and arcade games to simulation games, children, laptops, multiplayer, to a review of the technologies that have been shaping new game possibilities.
Game On exhibition by Smart & Green Design. Photograph by Javier de Paz García
The museography developed by the Smart & Green Design studio under the guide of Fernando Muñoz minimised the use of raw materials, committing to light, modular systems of standardised dimensions, which can continue to be used without generating waste. All the materials were selected for their highly environmentally friendly characteristics, and any polluting element was discarded from the outset.
Focusing on key game developments between 1962 and the present day, Game On takes a global perspective at gaming’s fascinating past and limitless future. From the colossal PDP – 1 of the early sixties to the latest industry releases, Game On examines the creative and scientific advances that have revolutionized the games we play.
The design concept of Game On in Madrid connects with the eighties, the Golden Age of videogame design. That was the time of the first experiments in design with vector graphics, with the creation of 3D environments, despite the technical limitations of the period.
A series of LED light-colored lines in sync with different rhythms and geometries creates the identity of each exhibition area. They skilfully connect with the industrial archaeology of this underground space featuring large arches and exposed brickwork. This is transformed by the artistic lines of light and a few additional architectural elements to craft an impressive setting worthy of any self-respecting videogame - an enchanted place.
Exhibition layouts always is a tough challenge, particularly at a time when everyone wants to convey unique experiences and deep emotions, and even higher when it comes to video games, 3D environments, and virtual reality.
These are the subjects of the Game On exhibition, a concept which since 2002 - when the Barbican Centre first showed it in London - has toured to over 30 countries to tell the story of the history and culture of video games.
Throughout 2,500 square meters of exhibition space, the visitor was able to take a tour of 15 thematic sections from the first video games and arcade games to simulation games, children, laptops, multiplayer, to a review of the technologies that have been shaping new game possibilities.
Game On exhibition by Smart & Green Design. Photograph by Javier de Paz García
The museography developed by the Smart & Green Design studio under the guide of Fernando Muñoz minimised the use of raw materials, committing to light, modular systems of standardised dimensions, which can continue to be used without generating waste. All the materials were selected for their highly environmentally friendly characteristics, and any polluting element was discarded from the outset.
Focusing on key game developments between 1962 and the present day, Game On takes a global perspective at gaming’s fascinating past and limitless future. From the colossal PDP – 1 of the early sixties to the latest industry releases, Game On examines the creative and scientific advances that have revolutionized the games we play.
The design concept of Game On in Madrid connects with the eighties, the Golden Age of videogame design. That was the time of the first experiments in design with vector graphics, with the creation of 3D environments, despite the technical limitations of the period.
A series of LED light-colored lines in sync with different rhythms and geometries creates the identity of each exhibition area. They skilfully connect with the industrial archaeology of this underground space featuring large arches and exposed brickwork. This is transformed by the artistic lines of light and a few additional architectural elements to craft an impressive setting worthy of any self-respecting videogame - an enchanted place.
More information
Exhibition
Exhibition design
Curators
Curated by the Barbican Centre, London.
Dates
29 November 2019 to 31 May 2020.
Venue/adress
Parque Cuarto Depósito de Canal de Isabel II. Madrid, Spain.
Photography
Fernando Muñoz. Smart and Green Design
Smart & Green Design is specialized in the design of exhibitions, museums and ephemeral events based on sustainable criteria.
The team is coordinated by Fernando Muñoz, graduated in Architecture from the Polytechnic University of Madrid in 2002 and MSc in Sustainable Building at Oxford Brookes University in 2014. Lecturer at IED Madrid (Istituto Europeo di Design) in the professional degree of Interior Design.
Smart & Green Design has developed an assessment and design methodology to reduce the environmental impact of temporary exhibitions, which has been shortlisted for the President´s Awards for Research 2015 launched by The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). We work as green consultant for museums and galleries to help them implement Sustainability policies and strategies.
Smart & Green Design is also actively involved in changing the ways that the world of Art and Culture is perceived by the Great Audience, designing hibrid Art & Brand “cultural experiences”.
The team is coordinated by Fernando Muñoz, graduated in Architecture from the Polytechnic University of Madrid in 2002 and MSc in Sustainable Building at Oxford Brookes University in 2014. Lecturer at IED Madrid (Istituto Europeo di Design) in the professional degree of Interior Design.
Smart & Green Design has developed an assessment and design methodology to reduce the environmental impact of temporary exhibitions, which has been shortlisted for the President´s Awards for Research 2015 launched by The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). We work as green consultant for museums and galleries to help them implement Sustainability policies and strategies.
Smart & Green Design is also actively involved in changing the ways that the world of Art and Culture is perceived by the Great Audience, designing hibrid Art & Brand “cultural experiences”.
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