Overdrive: L.A. Constructs the Future, 1940–1990
October 20, 2013–March 10, 2014
In the mid-20th century, Los Angeles became a major center of industry, economy, and creativity. This exhibition highlighted the city's development as a globally recognized destination, showcasing its unique design, iconic landmarks, and appealing lifestyle through hundreds of original drawings, photographs, and models.
The curators chose vibrant colors to evoke Southern California’s vibe and differentiate sections: Car Culture, Urban Networks, Engines of Innovation, Community Magnets, and Residential Fabric.
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Objective_
Arrange five curatorial sections across eight galleries, reusing display boxes, table cases, and interactive stands from the organizing institution. Coordinate existing paint colors and murals, where assigned, to match the conditions of the new exhibition.
Approach_
Ten-foot-high walls—standard for the venue—provided ample hanging space for tall and stacked items on the checklist; angled walls energized the layout and guided visitor flow while maintaining accessibility. Instead of standard white, we chose warm gray to stand out from the overhead architecture and complement the five existing color accents.
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Role: Installation Design
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Venue: National Building Museum
Co-organizers: Getty Research Institute and J. Paul Getty Museum
Co-curators: Wim de Wit and Christopher James Alexander
Coordinating curator: G. Martin Moeller, Jr.
Coordinating graphic designer: Vlad Zabavskiy
Photos © Allan Sprecher
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