ARCHAEOLOGICAL STUDY CENTRE AND STORAGE FACILITY

Retelling a true-to-life exhibition journey of a past civilisation.

Set to be a living repository, the new study centre – housed within the semi-sunken building 7,500 sqm footprint of a research facility, artefact storage units and lab facility – aims to recount a shared cultural history.

Sequentially planned through 9 Linear Galleries, 4 Niches, and 1 Immersive Space, the narrative journey profoundly articulates the lives of the Umm-an-Nar civilisation through our curation of artefacts, unearthed from The Tomb. Visible items from the storage add an additional glimpse into the research team’s day-to-day – bridging modern-day retelling of stories from the past.
The interpretive design is first outlined by 5 core chapters before further developing micro-themes. Each offshoot provides an intimate view into the facets of the past community’s way of life – whether in their livelihood, their craft, or various connections they had with other visiting groups. Accordingly, informing more than the material moodboard and display methods of the delicate and fragile ancient artefacts, but also defining the multimedia approach – creating a cohesive narrative-driven immersion. Showcases and plinths are technically designed to adhere to the international conservation display system standard in ensuring optimum preservation and care, while also considering future artefact rotation flexibility.

Made-to-scale replicas, such as The Tomb, which is emblematic of the exhibition, and child-friendly artefact reproductions are strategised as part of the scenography to offer a deeply experiential perspective of life then. Fully integrated in the visitor’s exploration is an unblocked view of the live archaeological excavation site. More than a ‘wow-moment’ of excavation works happening in real time, the expansive site view adds dimensionality and underpins the exhibition experience as the backdrop of the cultural journey. Thereby, fully fitting the visitor in the Umm-an-Nar shoes.