Go for Launch! The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum is Transformed

For the last seven years, the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum (NASM) team has been undertaking a complete reimagining of the iconic National Mall building in Washington, D.C.

Through the dramatic transformation of exhibit galleries using the latest immersive learning and presentation techniques, the redevelopment marks an unprecedented moment in the Museum’s public-engagement mission. From October 14, eight galleries will be launched to the public, inspiring a new generation of pioneers and explorers.

Haley Sharpe Design Limited (hsd) was commissioned as interpretive designers for the design of the ‘West Wing’ galleries, exhibiting momentous themes covering everything from early flight and moon landings to the exploration of our solar system and human quest for speed.

Working with the Smithsonian’s project leaders, curators, learning and collections teams, hsd has been instrumental in mapping out a revitalized visitor journey through the careful design of each gallery. NASM’s stunning collections are freshly displayed and are accompanied by a dynamic mix of immersive media enabling visitors to unpack stories, which illustrate our quest to shape and understand the world around us. Our creative team has been honoured to work with NASM to develop a step-change in the way exhibit environments at the Museum weave curatorial excellence and iconic collection with integrated, immersive technologies, to provide new generation audiences with a unique and transformative experience.

Gary Walker-Kerr, hsd Managing Director, writes:

“It has been an honor and privilege for hsd to have been the creative catalyst for the transformation of a totally new look for one of the most visited museums in North America.”

Interpretive Design Leadership

In concert with Smithsonian teams, hsd provided a package of integrated interpretive, exhibit and experience design, media ideation and coordination and comprehensive contract administration. In addition to these core services, hsd also built and managed an extensive team of sub-consultants providing architectural, structural, M&E, exhibit lighting and digital delivery services. For a project of this scale and complexity, outstanding communication was required, utilising the most up-to-date construction software (Revit-BIM) and virtual coordination (Procore/BIM).

Kevin Callis, hsd Technical Director, comments:

“Our three internal work teams conducted an effective blend of face-to-face workshops and VTCs through all design stages, Concept through to Design Close Out, and then segued into on-site evaluation, testing and regular in-person reviews during the Delivery Phase. Key to successful delivery has been the specific sequencing challenges managing exhibit construction and install, with building alterations, collections conservation and large-scale exhibit installation. These challenges were overcome with a strong collaborative approach brought about by NASM and hsd’s collective experience of similar projects of scale and complexity.”

Gallery Highlights

The eight new exhibits include:

Early Flight

In the early part of the 20th century, the airplane emerged from the realms of fantasy into a realized flying machine that would shape the future. Innovators, engineers, and pilots from all around the globe risked their lives to set new records. In the Early Flight Gallery visitors will discover the thrill of the early days of fledgling flights – getting close to early flying machines, hearing the roar of the gathered crowds, meeting the daring men and women who took to the skies, and even having the chance to operate these iconic first aircrafts.

Christine Echtner, hsd Interpretive Coordinator, writes:

“It was such an honour to work on NASM’s Early Flight Gallery, sharing stories of the daring experimenters and aviators who risks their lives to make flying a reality for all. This new gallery displays the Wanamaker Trophy won by Matilde Moisant in 1911 for breaking the women’s altitude record by flying to 1,200 feet. She and her friend, Harriet Quimby, were the first women in the US to obtain a pilot’s license. The trophy is a testimony to the free spirit of early female aviators to push the boundaries of their time – an inspiring story.”

America by Air

Commercial airline development and the federal governments impact on the industry is the focus of this large-scale gallery. In the America by Air Gallery visitors are immersed in dynamic displays of aircraft large and small. Dramatic suspended and on-the-ground planes are accompanied by blended digital media, interactives and graphics exploring the story of how flying has developed across the United States.

Thomas W. Hass We All Fly

This vibrant exhibit presents to visitors the diverse facets of general aviation and its impact on society, inspiring audiences to learn more and get involved in this dynamic sector. Focus collections include the Aviation Specialties Unlimited Challenger III, Cirrus SR22, and the Lear Jet 23, which are brought to life through surround media, audio and interactive interpretation.

Flavia D’Amico, Lead Designer for We All Fly comments:

“The gallery has a deliberately welcoming and democratic-feel to immerse visitors in the many ways that aviation plays a part in our society. Complementing the colourful aesthetic, white lines evoking plane trails – streak through the space. It has been an fantastic to share the stories of aerobatic pilots such as Patty Wagstaff and Sean Tucker, alongside heart-warning tales such as Operation Migration which uses ultra-light aircraft to teach captive-raised birds to migrate!”

The Wright Brothers & The Invention of the Aerial Age

Taking pride of place in the centre of this gallery is the 1903 Wright Flyer, one of the most iconic artifacts in the Smithsonian’s collections. Through a characterful exhibit environment, visitors are immersed in one of the greatest stories on American history – the invention of the airplane by Wilbur and Orville Wright.

Nation of Speed

This fast-paced gallery showcases the human inventiveness and technologies which enabled people to travel with ever greater speed. Iconic vehicles and compelling media immerse visitors in the pursuit of speed, and its effect on American culture and national identity.

Kenneth C. Griffin Exploring the Planets Gallery

This highly immersive environment reveals for visitors the science and history of our exploration of the solar system. Through interactive technologies visitors can explore the diverse and complex worlds which circle our Sun, drawing on research from the Museum’s own Center for Earth and Planetary Studies.

Destination Moon

Iconic artifacts relating to the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo Space Missions provide the highlights of this blockbuster exhibit. Object displays blended with graphics, media and tactile opportunities take visitors on a journey through the motivations, resources, and technologies which it made possible for humans to walk on the Moon, as well as presenting cutting-edge contemporary lunar explorations.

Alex Brooks, hsd Visual Communication Designer, notes:

“Being involved on the Exploration Suite was a career highlight – the galleries contain some of the most iconic objects and images related to our Space Age. The visual approach was designed to create a sense of theatre and immersion within each of the three black-box spaces, mixing large-scale dynamic murals, materials and finishes. Careful consideration was given to use of color, typeface selection, reading heights and tactiles to ensure each area was accessible. I’m sure visitors will love it!”

One World Connected

Stunning imagery, interactives and unseen artifacts are used in this gallery to tell the story of how taking to the skies and stars has enabled us to look at the beauty and fragility of our planet afresh. Featuring an array of satellites and other tools that have increased human connection, the exhibition asks visitors to consider how global interconnection touches their lives and to imagine how advances in technology might impact our near future.

Sub-Consultant partners for the redevelopment included:

GWWO Architects - Architectural; Simpson Gumpertz & Heger (SGH) - Engineering; DJ WILLRICH AV LIMITED - Hardware Integration; ngx - Software Development; Immersive International - Software Development; Cortina Productions - Software Development; Deluxe - Audio Descriptions and Captions; Abernathy Lighting Design, an Eos Lightmedia Studio - Exhibit Lighting; Toscano Clements Taylor Cost Consultants - Cost Consultants 

We are sure that audiences will be enthralled by the new galleries. To visit the Museum, free timed-entry passes can be booked here https://airandspace.si.edu/visit/museum-dc

For more information about hsd, please visit www.haleysharpe.com

Image credits: Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum/Jim Preston. Graphic illustration and visuals: hsd