Melbourne Museum Children’s Gallery Shade Structures
Project Details
Location: Melbourne Museum, Carlton VIC
Completion Date: December 2016
Size: 105 sqm (9 Shade Structures)
Fabric: PVC Mesh - Serge Ferrari Soltis 392
Client: Museum of Victoria
MakMax was entrusted with the task of creating a visually captivating and safe outdoor learning environment for the Melbourne Museum Children’s Gallery. This project involved the design, supply, fabrication, and installation of nine intricately designed shade structures in the museum’s vibrant outdoor learning area.
The Melbourne Museum Children’s Gallery stands as a wondrous space designed to ignite the imagination and curiosity of children aged from infants to five years old. With a commitment to fostering exploration, play, and learning, the museum sought to infuse the outdoor learning area with a blend of creative energy and sun-safe solutions.
To achieve this, MakMax incorporated a series of boldly printed shapes onto the shade structures, effectively crafting an environment that stimulates young minds while offering essential protection from the sun’s rays.
The Brief
In alignment with the overarching design aesthetic of The Pauline Gandel Children’s Gallery, the museum supplied MakMax with specific patterns for the printed visuals on the shade structures. This thoughtful integration of the museum’s artistic vision fostered a cohesive and engaging ambiance, seamlessly connecting the outdoor learning area with the broader thematic elements of the museum’s interior spaces.
To further infuse the structures with a touch of whimsy and artistic brilliance, several of the mesh circles incorporated round colored acrylic ‘skylights’, creating a dynamic interplay of light and shadow that contributed to the overall enchanting atmosphere of the outdoor learning area.
The Concept
The shade structures designed for the Melbourne Museum Children’s Gallery consisted of nine round units strategically positioned in clusters around various exploration zones within the outdoor area of the Children’s Gallery. Among the structures, six were designed with a diameter of 4 meters, while the remaining three featured a slightly smaller diameter of 3 meters. This arrangement not only provided ample shading but also added an element of visual intrigue to the learning spaces, enhancing the overall immersive experience for the young visitors.
The Materials
For this unique project, MakMax proposed Serge Ferrari’s Precontraint Soltis 392 mesh as the primary material for the shade structures. This decision was based in the fabric’s key characteristics, which perfectly complemented the project’s diverse requirements.
- Durability: Soltis 392 Mesh fabric is known for its exceptional durability. It is engineered to withstand harsh weather conditions, including UV radiation, extreme temperatures, and heavy winds. This durability ensures that the fabric maintains its structural integrity even after prolonged exposure to the elements.
- Dimensional Stability: The fabric is designed to maintain its shape and structural stability over time. This feature is crucial for printed shade structures as it ensures that the printed designs remain visually appealing and intact, without warping or distortion over time.
- Print Compatibility: The surface of Precontraint 392 Mesh fabric is engineered to be compatible with various printing techniques. This allows for high-quality, vibrant, and long-lasting printed designs, making it an ideal choice for shade structures that require customized or branded visuals.
The Result
The Melbourne Museum Children’s Gallery Shade Structures project highlights the successful fusion of imaginative design, technical expertise, and premium materials, culminating in an outdoor learning environment that not only safeguards young visitors from the sun but also ignites their creativity and wonder through a harmonious blend of art and functionality.
