Bivouac designed a prestigious exhibition for the University of York, celebrating the work of its engineers and academics. The Royal Academy of Engineering holds its annual soiree at different locations each year, and this year it’s the turn of the Ron Cooke Hub, forming part of the Festival of Ideas.

Bivouac worked with Leach to design a flexible system based on hexagons, that allows a variety of modular combinations to be achieved with the fewest number of parts. Panels are  printed and slide easily into position, allowing the university to use it for a large number of future events, in any combination and in almost any location. The system, made of laminated ply, is bolted together, honestly showing its construction.

The graphics were designed to give a sense of harmony to the space, using rich colour to add variety and interest. Large images draw attention and key messages are pulled to the fore to allow quick reading.

Objects as diverse as small bottles and large treadmills form part of the display on the night of the soiree, so panels had to be designed to work with and without them.

Soiree event images © Ian Martindale.

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Before the hoards arrived….

royal academy of engineering

…and after… © Ian Martindale

Before the objects and exhibits were placed

Before the objects and exhibits were placed

After installation and awaiting the placement of exhibits

After installation and awaiting the placement of exhibits

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Circulation space was carefully considered, taking into account the many fixed and free-standing exhibits that accompanied the panel system. © Ian Martindale

Princess Anne approves!

Princess Anne approves! © Ian Martindale

Before the objects and exhibits were placed

Before the objects and exhibits were placed