Sense of Place in Place Making of Creative Multimedia Foundation Studies Annual Exhibition

Abstract

The challenge of transforming an empty space into a gallery setting takes on the concept of place making. A place can be seen as space that has meaning when the setting considers space, surroundings, contents, the people and its activities. This research concentrates on investigating how visitors perceive the space by gauging their sense of place (sense of belonging towards a place). Galleries are currently facing changes in this technological era whereby multiple content and context, space and form, display modes, tools and devices are introduced in one single space. The many layers are seen to distract, confuse and divert visitors’ attention and gallery experience. Meeting the curator’s intention gets more complex when visitors’ experience is not fully analysed and met. This study intends to address the research issue by i). Identifying visitors’ behaviour patterns in gallery space setting. ii). Investigating visitor’s sense of place in relationship with space, content, activities, and with other visitors. An observational study was done during the Foundation Studies Annual Exhibition held at Faculty of Creative Multimedia, Multimedia University. The exhibition was curated and managed by staff and students of Foundation Year showcasing an array of design works. Analogue and digital presentations of paintings, drawings, sculptures, photography and video works were displayed. Findings derived from the observation highlights visitors’ experience (level of satisfaction, comfortability, ability to focus and interact, understanding of content and context and ability to grasp the message) in relationship with physical space usage and display flow, arrangement of display furniture and exhibition tools, and static, dynamic as well as interactive activity zones. The outcome of this research will contribute towards a better design criteria of place making which affects individual behaviour, social values and attitudes. Characterizing types of visitor experience will improve the understanding of a better design criteria of place making, acceptance, understanding and satisfaction.