A. Quincy Jones:  Building for Better Living exhibition offered an opportunity to explore design as a tool to engage the public by creating an inviting bridge of unfolding spatial experiences at multiple scales with least material waste.

Jones shaped the postwar landscape of Los Angeles through his collaboration across disciplines from decorators to manufacturers.  His work was not cutting-edge, but his influence – from tract housing to prestigious private commissions, workplaces and his academic affiliations – left an enduring legacy. The exhibition took on the challenge of engaging the public and presenting Jones’ legacy with a coherent architectural narrative from the exterior entrance to the finest detail.   

Bright wall graphics transitioned the experience from a sunlit atrium entry to a saturated-hued interior.  The plan organization consisted of an existing foyer and a 3,500 sq. ft. room divided into four quadrants based on project types.  Each section was anchored by a photographic mural of a Jones project; the scale of the mural transported the visitor to a nearer scale experience.  The center of the room paid homage to Jones’ office/forum and featured a long table (for reuse outdoors) for the visitors to peruse ephemera on iPads.  This arrangement was anchored by a wall portrait and timeline graphics mapping his cross-disciplinary network.  The portrait wall was reflected in an opposing mirror, virtually enlarging the core to a size proportionally inviting for staying than moving through.

A strong systematic color scheme provided the chorus for the space plan.  The selection began with the observation of color matte board interaction with a range of flatwork.  One color matte was most effective to invite the eye to stay on the artifact. This color use established a contemplative experience for visitors and a design of hue / tone shifts that mediated between the experiences with the framed artifacts and the existing maple floor.  The hues were applied with the darkest for the perimeter and medium tone for the core.  The limits of each color and the hierarchical system of labels were coordinated with the color approach to maintain a sense of focus the visitor can easily attain.

The finer design scale addressed fleeting moments of encounter when an errant detail can disrupt contemplation.  The dimension and placement of architectural elements were tuned to achieve exacting alignment of real and reflected images as the visitor moved through spaces –offering a cinematic unfolding of overlaid memories and allowing respite between the intense mental engagement with artifacts and the sensual experience of moving through architecture.