Melbourne design is getting attention on the international stage as a digital exhibition showcasing designs from the city makes an appearance at the World Expo in Milan.
BlackBOX: Design and Innovation in Melbourne features 64 black boxes set out in neat rows to represent the Hoddle Grid layout that defines Melbourne’s streets and laneways, with each box providing information about a different design. Attendees at the exhibition approach each of the 3D black boxes and receive information on a smartphone.
The exhibition is named after the black box cockpit and flight data recorder invented by Australian scientist David Warren in 1957. It was organised by the Monash University Art Design and Architecture faculty (MADA) with the support of the City of Melbourne.
Ian Wong, exhibition curator
Image: Courtesy of Ian Wong.
Industrial designer Ian Wong curated the exhibition, and said the layout and design reflected the types of exhibits on display.
“The boxes are recorded history like the voices from the cockpit voice recorder. We read this history with a device,” Wong said.
“I also like the idea that 21st century archives of designers are not drawings and diaries like for Leonardo da Vinci, they are computer hard drives and solid state chips. The boxes represent this new archive, not a library of books.”
Some of the more recent designs featured in the exhibition include the Knog Bicycle Light, Crumpler bags and the Keep Cup.
Councillor Jackie Watts from the City of Melbourne said that the exhibition would help to raise the profile of the great design that has come out of the city.
“Although Melbourne has clearly demonstrated its strength in design and innovation, people may not be aware just how comprehensive Melbourne’s contribution has been, and how central good design is to our everyday lives,” Cr Watts said.
“Melbourne has produced so many significant systems, designs and products and this exhibition, a remarkable innovative system in itself, will certainly enhance the credibility and reputation of Melbourne’s design sector internationally.”
The exhibition opened on Saturday 2 May and runs until Friday 15 May.
