Information Age | Universal Design Studio

Information Age is the Science Museum’s newest gallery, and is designed by Universal Design Studio, marking a significant step change in the design of spaces within the Museum.

The landmark gallery explores the remarkable impact of com- munications technology, revealing the personal stories be- hind over 200 years of inventions throughout the 2,500m2 of exhibition space. The gallery celebrates the narratives of how we communicate, and features over 800 unique objects from the Science Museum’s world class collections.

Universal has designed the architectural framework of the permanent gallery including bespoke exhibits, showcases and displays. The space is punctuated with double-height facades, in the form of six immersive ‘storyboxes’ that signpost the six communication networks. Devised by Universal, the storybox will help direct visitors, around key objects, exhibits and mo- ments in the gallery. An elevated elliptical walkway contrasts with the existing orthogonal structure of the gallery. It offers a different perspective of the whole, and also an up-close view of objects. Animated displays, interactive screens, large-scale graphics, projections, interactive games and audio are inte- grated, bringing the complex stories to life in a simple, engag- ing way. Universal collaborated with Bibliothèque on inter- pretation and exhibition graphics.

Jason Holley, Director of Universal Design Studio, said: “We are proud to have had the opportunity to create an elegant and engaging space that provides a powerful setting for the museum’s amazing collection, charting the immense impact of communication technologies on our everyday lives.”

Jay Osgerby, Director of Barber & Osgerby and founder of Universal Design Studio, said: “This project is the most im- portant architectural project that we have undertaken at Uni- versal Design Studio. It has had a unifying influence by bring- ing together the strengths of our studios, from architecture and curating to new-tech industrial design and research.”

Edward Barber, Director of Barber & Osgerby and founder of Universal Design Studio, added: “Our studio worked closely with the museum to create a gallery that we hope will excite and inspire future generations; not only educating visitors but surprising and delighting them. We look forward to the gal- lery being enjoyed by millions of visitors for many years to come.”

Dr Tilly Blyth, Lead Curator of Information Age at the Science Museum said: “This magnificent permanent gallery invites visitors to take the long view of information and communi- cations technologies, seeing them as part of our history, our landscape, and ourselves. Universal Design Studio’s insight and expertise allowed us to craft a beautiful space that brings awe and wonder to many remarkable objects whilst develop- ing engaging storytelling across the gallery.”