The Process
For today’s Detroit feature, we’re going to show you a bit of our design process. For most of our projects, we create 3D models of the space, and use that as a tool for exhibit developing. Working virtually, with real dimensions helps accurately show our clients what the design will look like. It also helps them see how it will look from the visitor perspective. As an added bonus, these models are easily changed as the design evolves. Here is a simple SketchUp animation of the design for the Gallery of Culture.

And here is what the gallery ultimately ended up as. Some changes of course, but the overall design intent was carried through due, in large part, to careful planning and designing to the realities of space and budget.

Detroit & The Underground Railroad
Today we’re highlighting the Doorway to Freedom exhibit at the Detroit Historical Museum. When most people think of Detroit, they think of cars–but Detroit was also an important stop for freedom-seekers traveling along the Underground Railroad. This exhibit highlights the journey freedom-seekers made, traveling from the South to Detroit. Once in Detroit, they found a network of dedicated abolitionists who helped them make the crossing to Canada, where slave-catchers no longer had jurisdiction. Very few objects exist from this important period in Detroit’s history, but the exhibit recreates the story of freedom-seekers. Visitors follow a narrow, winding path through forest trees, buildings and eventually into Detroit. From here, they cross a symbolic river, and learn about new lives in Canada.

Detroit Goes to War
Okay, we’ve teased you enough with just a few pictures of our latest project! The Detroit Historical Museum opened on November 23, 2012 to great reviews & enthusiasm. Over the next few days, we’ll highlight each new gallery in the Detroit Historical Museum, so you can get a better look at our work. Each gallery we designed had a unique look and feel, giving visitors a unique learning experience around every corner. While we are happy to share our pictures—the best way to experience the Museum is to go there! Admission is currently free, so go ahead and enjoy a visit!

Today, we’re highlighting Detroit: The Arsenal of Democracy. Tucked in the Museum’s upper mezzanine, this gallery space wasn’t originally used for exhibits. We completely transformed this area into an in-depth exploration of Detroit’s role in World War II.

Little Syria: An Immigrant Community’s Life & Legacy

Good Design Group worked (once again) with the Arab American National Museum in Dearborn, Michigan. To accommodate a small budget and a big story, we developed a system of free-standing graphic structures with a city-like feel. Rich with images, quotes, text and maps, each interpretive panel interlocks into a tower structure making for easy break down and assembly. Object cases double as shipping crates, and simple interactives help visitors discover the sense of community in Little Syria.

The exhibit open now through April 21, 2013 in Dearborn and will then be traveling to sites in New York, New Jersey, and beyond. The exhibit has already garnered some good press, including a recent article in the Huffington Post, which you can read here.

A Historical Overhaul

While its not quite open to the public yet (officially opening November 23, in what should be a grand party. Information Here), Good Design Group would like to share a few sneak-peaks at our latest project! We’ve spent the last 3 years working with the Detroit Historical Museum staff to develop 4 brand new exhibits—Detroit: Arsenal of Democracy; Gallery of Innovation; Allesee Gallery of Culture; and Doorway to Freedom. We also designed renovations to the Museum’s Motor City exhibit and its iconic Streets of Old Detroit (for all the Streets lovers, don’t worry—we didn’t change much!). The entire 55+ year-old facility received extensive upgrades including new paint & carpet, with all interior design by us. Gene Ullery-Smith of Traverse City, MI designed the graphics. Morley Companies of Saginaw, MI fabricated the exhibits, along with some support from Niche Design, of Bay City, MI. Wall Street Productions of Southfield, MI crafted the media and David Goodman kept everything on track as a project manager.  More on this project once the doors are officially open!

Arab Americans in Service to Our Country

Good Design Group worked with the Arab American National Museum in Dearborn, Michigan to create two versions of a traveling exhibit: “Patriots and Peacemakers: Arab Americans in Service to Our Country.” This ambitious exhibit tells the stories of about 200 Arab Americans who have served in the Military, Peace Corps, or as Diplomats. Following an innovative format, each featured individual’s story is displayed on an exhibit cube. Visitors are free to pick up cubes and read all sides, creating a very personal opportunity for visitors to interact with the exhibit.

As a volunteer effort, Jen designed a suite of logos for use on various publications and promotions for the Normal Park Neighborhood Association (NPNA). Known for its adorable tree-lined streets and friendly neighbors, the NPNA board selected a group of logo options and colors that they felt best represented their community.

Our primary business office is still in Midland, MI. Our southeast Michigan office has moved to Ypsilanti. E-mail addresses and phone numbers remain the same.

Kalamazoo Valley Museum

In our biggest independent project to date, Good Design Group teamed with Chris Malczewski to redesign the 12 year old 5,400 square foot history gallery of Kalamazoo’s community museum.

Harbor Springs Area Historical Society Goes Quiet

Good Design Group was invited back to help HSAHS with a little problem with their beautiful and spacious library space on the second floor. The space’s hardwood floors and dark wood ceilings create a wonderful look, but an acoustically difficult room. Meetings often resulted in a lot of people asking, "What did she say?"

Although not acoustic experts, Good Design Group and GOOD friend Chris Malczewski have had enough experience working with difficult spaces to feel that we could offer practical solutions.

We implemented a two prong approach—overhead banners to soften the ceiling effects and a number of wall panels to absorb some of the sound waves bouncing around the space.

The results were both attractive and keep meetings from turning into shouting matches. A very civil solution.

Banners by Banner Creations, Assembly and installation by Marty Roznowski, LLC