A multimedia exhibition celebrating the 900th anniversary of Kamp Abbey, bringing together the disparate.
To mark the 900th anniversary of Kloster Kamp, Germany, students from Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences were presenting an exhibition in the Schirrhof that aims to convey both classic and multimedia content on the topic of «Europe».
Planning phase
The exhibition was commissioned by the city of Camp-Lintfort to the University of Rhein-Waal, specifically the Faculty of Design. The project was supervised by Christian Stindl.
The main theme of the exhibition was «Europe». The client expressed confidence in the design and gave the project a great deal of freedom of interpretation.
The main criterion of the organization was to exhibit exhibition samples of three types: 12 objects related and stories of the region's mining history, provided by the Schirrhof in Kamp-Littfort; 12 objects from the Kloster Kamp Abbey, 12 objects chosen by the students themselves that they associate with Europe.
The first primary task was to sort through the objects and identify global themes that connected religion, mining, and student perceptions.
A solid amount of time was given to sorting and conceptualizing. The global concept of the whole exhibition, as well as its visual component, depended on the overall theme. It was necessary to create categories for each group and arrange the objects into categories, keeping the semantic correlation of each of them.
Sorting table of global topics related to Europe and numbers of objects matching the sections.
Concept phase
To optimise processes, we all split into several groups: graphics group, text group, furniture group, object group and technical group.
I was involved in the furniture group, the graphics group, but the main focus was the technical group. Together with Boris Andreev, Amal Hamed and Akshai Rajesh, our task was to create multidisciplinary media materials including audio-visual effects, animation, AR, music, working with equipment, lighting, sound recording, 3D scanning of objects, 3D modelling, sound recording and photo equipment.
The furniture team had the task of selecting possible materials, making the layout of exhibition stands, calculating the cost, preparing the layout of stands, as well as determining the method of assembly.
Pictogram for Agatha-Reliquie. [Denis Malinko]
Model a variation of the exhibition stand assembly. [Denis Malinko]
3d scanned model of miner's lamp and light animation. [Denis Malinko]
3D scan of St Agatha's figure. [Denis Malinko]
Variation of exhibition stand placement and location of objects. [Denis Malinko]
The main challenge for the technical team was to visualise the exhibition objects from the Abbey, as we were not allowed to place physical objects in the exhibition hall.
It was decided to use augmented reality technology.
Each object was scanned, a file was prepared for augmented reality projection, and visual labels were developed to activate each object. A separate pictogram was developed for each object.The design team developed a consistently visual style of icons that also allowed the AR software to read the images clearly.
Pictogram for Chorgestühl (Choir stalls). [Denis Malinko]
Pictogram for two wooden abbot's boards. [Denis Malinko]
Setting phase
After conceptualising and defining a narrative including 4 thematic blocks, a coherent visual concept for the exhibition was developed. Boris Andreev prepared a set of animated textures, which served as a basis for the creation of an animated poster, advertising posters, engravings on boards and the development of a booklet.
For the exhibition, the technical team organised the installation of equipment: projectors, speakers, headphones, computers for projectors, cable management, and transport of equipment.
In addition, a variation of posters was designed for advertising in the city and at the entrance to the exhibition.
Animation centrepiece of the exhibition. [Textures: Boris Andreev, Font: Oscar Phuong Nguyen, Layout and Motion Design: Denis Malinko]
Series of posters for the exhibition. [Textures: Boris Andreev, Font: Oscar Phuong Nguyen, Layout and Editorial Design: Denis Malinko]
FAQs
How long did it take to organise?
In total, the whole process took 4 and a half months.
Were there any problems?
Any creative process involves unplanned events and challenges. The biggest challenge we had to face was the number of creative people in one team. Negotiations, debates, discussions, arguments, discussions and other verbal communication took more time than we would have liked. But it also brought new unexpected experiences and opportunities for development.
Was the exhibition a success?
In the end, the exhibition was a success. The visitors were satisfied, the organiser was satisfied, the students were tired but satisfied.
Who would you like to thank in particular for their participation?
I am deeply grateful to the participants of the technical team: Boris Andreev, Akshay Rajesh, Amal Hamed. I also thank Dr, Professor Iurgel for providing additional equipment.
Thanks to Mr. Christian Stindl for the operational chaos and positive attitude during the whole ongoing process.
Special thanks go to Mr. Ralf Postulka for his professionalism, responsiveness, assistance in providing equipment and printing materials regardless of the day and time.