Breaking Binaries

Client: Science Gallery, Melbourne

Location: Science Gallery, Melbourne

Year: 2021

Brief: To design an exhibition in celebration of everything that is possible in a world beyond binaries, challenging society’s binary codes through works and experiences and provoking vital conversations amongst its visitors.

To communicate a playful and kaleidoscopic view of genders, identity and their relationship with science and technology, creativity, culture, race and sexuality, the show had to present a wide array of works, words, people and actions that challenge binary frameworks.

To create a cohesive design language that could unite without competing, we developed a singular sustainable design approach using recycled and recyclable cardboard tubes to wrap around a series of circular, rotating modules extruded at different lengths.

These inexpensive tubes, which could be ground up and reformed after use, created niches and pockets, immersive nests from within which the works on display could be discovered and understood. Lively coloured cushions and reflective foil curtains enliven and enclose, visually manifesting the exhibitions mission to celebrate life and humanity in all its different forms.