WOMAN, LIFE, FREEDOM
CLIENT Verzetsmuseum Amsterdam SIZE 115 m2 SITE Amsterdam
RESPONSIBILITY Concept, design and realization
CONSTRUCTION Studio Nuance CAMPAIGN IMAGE Gravestijn ontwerp PHOTOGRAPHY Studio Indruk
ASSIGNMENT
This exhibition tells the story of the ongoing resistance of Iranian women. Through both historical and contemporary stories, it shows that the struggle for freedom is not a new phenomenon, but one that has continued across generations. At the same time, the exhibition draws attention to the current resistance against the Islamic Republic.
Sustainability was a key principle throughout the development of the exhibition. Het Verzetsmuseum aimed to minimise its impact on nature and the environment while demonstrating how a sustainable exhibition can be realised.
By making this a travelling exhibition, we reduce CO₂ emissions from materials by 50%.
CONCEPT
The exhibition brings together a timeline, graphic protest imagery, the work of four Iranian visual artists, multimedia stories of resistance, and social media posts. Each of these elements tells the story of the Iranian women's resistance in its own way. The challenge was to unite them into one cohesive spatial narrative without allowing the design to distract from the content.
To achieve this, a restrained design was chosen in which the stories and artworks take centre stage. The design draws inspiration from Iranian, also known as Persian, architecture. This centuries-old architectural tradition is characterised by geometric patterns, symmetry, and a refined attention to detail. Large domes and vaulted ceilings formed the starting point for the spatial design. The architectural structures within the exhibition subtly reference this architectural heritage, giving the exhibition a distinct identity without overshadowing its content. In contrast, the campaign image was designed to immediately capture visitors' attention.
The exhibition is constructed from plywood and Cyclin Puur, a lightweight, strong,
and sound-absorbing acoustic building material. A key objective was to ensure that at least 80% of the materials can be reused in future exhibitions. The exhibition was designed to be fully demountable, allowing it to be easily relocated to its next venue:
het Vrijheidsmuseum in Groesbeek.
DESIGN
Floor plan with zones
Walking route
Bird's-Eye view
Campaign image
END RESULT
