Sounds of Discovery, Creating an Exhibit for the NBLA

The newest exhibit addition to the Niels Bohr Library and Archives, Sounds of Discovery, highlights the works of Frederick Hunt, Robert Shankland and Marie Tharp. The common thread through their varying research was using acoustics to make discoveries or advance current technologies of the period. This exhibit features sound waves as presented in architectural acoustics, sonar development throughout WWII, and ocean floor mapping. By using the oral histories from the archival collections and a few books to shape the historical side, a supplementary element of current/on-going research is provided for those interested in seeing how events have progressed through time.

My work has involved the research and gathering of materials to present as well as creating physical representations of the subject matter. Given that sound is inherently heard and not seen this presented an intriguing dynamic in shaping how to display an exhibit in a visual context. By reflecting on the three most common learning styles: visual, auditory and kinesthetic, elements were added to the design process to enhance the learning of the topic for viewers within a limited scope. These fundamental factors proved to create an ambitious yet successful exhibit.