Revolutionizing Exhibition Spaces: The Float Design

Exploring the innovative design and unique features of the Float exhibition space by Daisuke Nagatomo and Minnie Jan

The Float is a permanent exhibition space installed at the ground level of the MOEA Innovation Center in Kaohsiung city, Taiwan. It is designed to exhibit metal products that incorporate innovative uses of metal tooling. The exhibition features kinetic metal pendant movements and floating pentagonal display stands for products, creating a unique and engaging experience for the audience.

The design inspiration for Float came from the desire to break the general understanding of the heaviness of metal. The designers achieved this through the use of forty Koma shaped pendants with a shiny gold finish that move in a kinetic pattern, creating a sense of lightness and fluidity. This kinetic movement is programmed by processing and adds a dynamic element to the exhibition space.

Float is not only visually stunning but also highly functional. The exhibition space is flexible and can accommodate various types of themes. The central office of MOEA has been hosting different exhibition themes since March 2018. The exhibition space is designed in such a way that most audiences, coming from the main entrance of the building, encounter the kinetic movements with forty gold pendants, where they can visually experience the innovative use of metal.

The design of the Float exhibition space incorporates advanced digital technologies including kinetic movement and CNC fabrication. The lighting setups have been carefully considered to create a homogeneous atmosphere throughout the entire space. The design phase of the project started in November 2017 and construction was completed in January 2018 in Kaohsiung. The public opening took place in March 2018.

Despite the challenges faced during the installation of the exhibition, such as the careful selection of locations to avoid any obstacles on the building ceiling and the installation of the heavy kinetic movement structure, the Float exhibition has been successful in showcasing the innovative use of metal tooling and product. The design was awarded Silver in A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2018, a testament to its remarkable design and innovation.