Around the World in 80 Paper Models
April 16, 2016–April 1, 2018
April 16, 2016–April 1, 2018
How might countries be represented through paper? Around the World in 80 Paper Models explored architecture as cultural storytelling through 80 examples from the David Kemnitzer Paper Model Collection at the National Building Museum. Spanning all 50 U.S. states and numerous countries, the models ranged from castles and cathedrals to farmhouses and skyscrapers—some celebrating iconic landmarks, others revealing simplified or romanticized interpretations of place.
Objective
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Transform a transitional gallery into a cohesive exhibition that connected Cool & Collected: Recent Acquisitions and Raymond Kaskey, while reconfiguring the Kaskey exhibition into a single gallery without sacrificing clarity or impact.
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Transform a transitional gallery into a cohesive exhibition that connected Cool & Collected: Recent Acquisitions and Raymond Kaskey, while reconfiguring the Kaskey exhibition into a single gallery without sacrificing clarity or impact.
“I just spent some time immersed in the paper model world—it’s weird and wonderful!”
—Susan Piedmont-Palladino
—Susan Piedmont-Palladino
Challenge
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Present 80 paper models in a way that felt organized yet exploratory. The installation required retrieving and adapting existing vitrines from storage, building custom pedestals, and arranging thematic groupings that encouraged comparison without overwhelming the space.
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Present 80 paper models in a way that felt organized yet exploratory. The installation required retrieving and adapting existing vitrines from storage, building custom pedestals, and arranging thematic groupings that encouraged comparison without overwhelming the space.
Approach
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Organized into themes such as Modernism, Historic & Cultural Sites, and Religion, the exhibition invited visitors to draw connections across geography and style. Models were shown both assembled in vitrines and disassembled and framed, revealing their craftsmanship and construction. An introductory “island” anchored the gallery and drew visitors in from Cool & Collected, while perimeter displays established rhythm and flow. Bright yellow walls—evoking the playfulness of paper—energized the space and reinforced the spirit of discovery.
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Organized into themes such as Modernism, Historic & Cultural Sites, and Religion, the exhibition invited visitors to draw connections across geography and style. Models were shown both assembled in vitrines and disassembled and framed, revealing their craftsmanship and construction. An introductory “island” anchored the gallery and drew visitors in from Cool & Collected, while perimeter displays established rhythm and flow. Bright yellow walls—evoking the playfulness of paper—energized the space and reinforced the spirit of discovery.
Story Plan
Outcome
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Visitors were drawn into a colorful world of architectural miniatures, discovering both familiar landmarks and imaginative interpretations. The exhibition encouraged curiosity and comparison, prompting conversations about how cultures are represented through design—and what those representations reveal about perception, pride, and bias.
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Visitors were drawn into a colorful world of architectural miniatures, discovering both familiar landmarks and imaginative interpretations. The exhibition encouraged curiosity and comparison, prompting conversations about how cultures are represented through design—and what those representations reveal about perception, pride, and bias.
Project Details
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Venue: National Building Museum
Size: 1,881 SF (978 SF, Around the World)
Content: Objects (93), Murals (2)
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Role: Exhibition Design
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Organizer: National Building Museum
Curator: Sarah Leavitt
Graphic designer: Chloe Welbaum
Photos © Allan Sprecher
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Venue: National Building Museum
Size: 1,881 SF (978 SF, Around the World)
Content: Objects (93), Murals (2)
—
Role: Exhibition Design
—
Organizer: National Building Museum
Curator: Sarah Leavitt
Graphic designer: Chloe Welbaum
Photos © Allan Sprecher