Nature—Cooper Hewitt Design Triennial

The main display system is composed of two main elements, an aluminum frame system and a series of curvilinear platforms. The organic structure of the platforms allows for objects to group within one of the show's seven nature sub-categories—facilitating, augmenting, nurturing, salvaging, remediating, understanding, and simulating nature—while creating a seamless "amoeba" that winds its way through space, defining paths for visitor circulation. The installation features custom-designed, 3D printed pod-like sculptures that emerge from the walls in varying sizes and depths. These “pods” pair with graphic texts that provide an introduction into each curatorial section and signify nature's ability to grow, morph and adapt to the forces at play.

To further extend the display concept of growth and mutation from the building within, on the exhibition's ground floor where the museum features dark wood paneling and flooring with pronounced moldings, the design uses a cool, dark gray palette. The rounded wall pieces fit the historic windows and curve down, becoming horizontal plinths. Upstairs within the modern galleries, the installation follows the crisp white color palette with media projecting onto translucent screens, seamlessly integrating the show's designs into the building.