HELPFUL CREATURES

This show about the roles animals play in war is part of Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum’s effort to humanize their collection of aircraft and armored vehicles. The project showcases our ability to create a memorable experience using limited assets and funding.

Project:
Animals in War

Gallery Type:
1,000 sq.-ft. Permanent interpretive exhibit

Our Role:
Exhibit design (Overall; Content and graphic design; System of display panels; Original sculpture)

Project Partners:
Flying Heritage and Combat Armor Museum (FHCAM), Everett, WA; Northwest building tech inc., Seattle, WA; Imagine, Seattle, WA; mach 2 arts, inc., Seattle, WA

Photos:
BRADY HARVEY

Menagerie

Suspended above the exhibit are parts of a sculpture emblematic of the story of parachuting dogs used in wartime. On the ground are other inviting animal figures. The Paradogs Sculpture was imagined and designed by Curious Beast, and engineered and fabricated by Mach 2 Arts Inc.

Dog People

Many of the photos seen here were taken during “Dog Days” at FHCAM, an inaugural opening event that visitors were encouraged to bring their dogs to. Shared photos of such events have become key to the museum’s promotional efforts.

Display Panel System

The system of walls and cabinetry used in the exhibit was designed especially for FHCAM. Made of lightweight panels and “clips” that hold them together at angles, configurations may be put up, taken down, or moved around  in minutes.

Animagraphica

Narrative graphic content created for the exhibit includes compelling introductory pieces, sections that explore the wartime roles of animals at-a-glance and in greater detail; and a wall honoring animals decorated for their service.