Cabinets of Wonder - NYU ITP
Duban Morales
Week 08
Date 03/12/2025
Week 08
Date 03/12/2025
Redesign Exhibition
Original exhibition
Redesign exhibition
Duban Morales
Week 06
Date 02/26/2025
Week 06
Date 02/26/2025
Neural Echoes
Neural Echoes is a diorama that invites viewers to reflect on the “invisible” connections and influences between ourselves and the machines we rely on.
Duban Morales
Week 03
Date 02/05/2025
Week 03
Date 02/05/2025
Exhibition Design Manifesto
Mal But Functioning Clock manifesto
Upon entering the exhibition room, visitors are greeted not by a complete image but by an array of mechanical movements that appear chaotic and disjointed. This initial perspective is intentional, designed from a side elevation where the kinetic sculpture—sized like a conventional desk—reveals only moving parts without disclosing its identity as a clock. This staging plays on the human curiosity about incomplete forms, drawing visitors deeper into the space.
As guests transition from the side to the front of the sculpture, a transformation unfolds. The seemingly random mechanical parts align perfectly into an anamorphic clock. This revelation is not merely visual but philosophical, suggesting that what often seems chaotic is a part of a larger, meaningful whole when seen from the right perspective.
This exhibition's interactivity lies in its responsive malfunction mechanism, controlled by a distance sensor. This sensor detects the proximity of visitors; when someone crosses a predetermined threshold, the clock hands begin to whirl out of control, depicting a malfunction. Conversely, in the absence of nearby spectators, the clock hands revert to their primary function telling the time accurately.
This feature serves as a metaphor for the impact of human presence and observation on the environment and on art itself. It encourages visitors to reflect on how their engagement with space and objects can alter their function and perception.
The lighting and spatial arrangement are meticulously designed to enhance the viewer's experience and interaction with the "Mal but Functioning Clock." A focused spotlight illuminates the sculpture, highlighting its intricate mechanics and anamorphic artistry. The room is spacious enough to allow the distance sensors to function optimally, enabling visitors to experience both the accurate and malfunctioning states of the clock by simply altering their proximity.
This setup not only emphasizes the sculpture’s features but also manipulates the mood and engagement level of the space, allowing for a personal and reflective visitor experience.
The "Mal but Functioning Clock" exhibition invites visitors to explore the deeper meanings behind mechanical movements and challenges them to see beyond the surface chaos to the beautiful order that lies beneath. This project sets a new standard for how art can be experienced and understood in a world that increasingly values interactivity and personal interpretation.
Upon entering the exhibition room, visitors are greeted not by a complete image but by an array of mechanical movements that appear chaotic and disjointed. This initial perspective is intentional, designed from a side elevation where the kinetic sculpture—sized like a conventional desk—reveals only moving parts without disclosing its identity as a clock. This staging plays on the human curiosity about incomplete forms, drawing visitors deeper into the space.
As guests transition from the side to the front of the sculpture, a transformation unfolds. The seemingly random mechanical parts align perfectly into an anamorphic clock. This revelation is not merely visual but philosophical, suggesting that what often seems chaotic is a part of a larger, meaningful whole when seen from the right perspective.
This exhibition's interactivity lies in its responsive malfunction mechanism, controlled by a distance sensor. This sensor detects the proximity of visitors; when someone crosses a predetermined threshold, the clock hands begin to whirl out of control, depicting a malfunction. Conversely, in the absence of nearby spectators, the clock hands revert to their primary function telling the time accurately.
This feature serves as a metaphor for the impact of human presence and observation on the environment and on art itself. It encourages visitors to reflect on how their engagement with space and objects can alter their function and perception.
The lighting and spatial arrangement are meticulously designed to enhance the viewer's experience and interaction with the "Mal but Functioning Clock." A focused spotlight illuminates the sculpture, highlighting its intricate mechanics and anamorphic artistry. The room is spacious enough to allow the distance sensors to function optimally, enabling visitors to experience both the accurate and malfunctioning states of the clock by simply altering their proximity.
This setup not only emphasizes the sculpture’s features but also manipulates the mood and engagement level of the space, allowing for a personal and reflective visitor experience.
The "Mal but Functioning Clock" exhibition invites visitors to explore the deeper meanings behind mechanical movements and challenges them to see beyond the surface chaos to the beautiful order that lies beneath. This project sets a new standard for how art can be experienced and understood in a world that increasingly values interactivity and personal interpretation.
Duban Morales
Week 02
Date 01/29/2025
Week 02
Date 01/29/2025
Museum Visit
New York Hall of Science
Your impressions of the look and feel of the whole place:
I would have loved it here as a kid, with huge rocket ships visible from the exterior as you walk into the building, accompanied by a colorful playground. There are so many hands-on activities and seeing things change in real time is fascinating. The museum also offers many additional activities like theater, mini golf, and ice skating.
What works, what doesn’t? Immediate impression:
All the add-ons cost extra money. It would be nice if there were a single-price ticket that allowed you to do everything. Also, it would have been better if the restroom were not right next to the entrance, as it clutters the area with families waiting outside. The downstairs area, where most exhibits are, has a great circular layout that lets you see everything and leave where you started. The 'Women in Space' exhibit seems like it's just filler; I didn't really see people stop to read any of the captions or look at the photos, as it starts near double swinging doors and is almost hidden behind them. It would have been better if they had their own section in this museum rather than being in a hallway.
Do you feel welcomed, is the place intimidating or comfortable, what’s the atmosphere?
I did feel welcomed, although showing up as a solo adult felt a bit odd because there are lots of families and kids running around.
Every place has an emotional, social, and intellectual gestalt. Do your best to describe it:
The place is filled with energy, like a theme park.
A word (or two) for its personality?
Alive.
A memorable object, exhibit, hall, or interaction (person-to-person):
The Mathematica exhibit was the most memorable part for me, especially the minimal surface exhibit where users can control objects dropped into liquid soap. When the object is removed, it leaves behind a thin layer of soap that forms interesting shapes.
Hospitality: How hard is it to find the bathrooms, how nice are the guards, can you find your way around?
The bathroom is right next to the entrance/exit of the building. I walked around hoping to see more and didn't realize one of the main exhibitions was under construction, but when I asked a guard, he was very helpful in explaining where the main attractions were and asked if I had a specific interest so he could direct me appropriately.
Who’s there? Ages, demographics, and other details you notice about visitors:
There were lots of kids with parents, no teenagers.
Are they coming alone, in twos, or in groups?
Usually in groups or small families.
How do people socialize at the museum?
People talk in normal voices; there wasn't a sense of needing to be quiet, typically how you would feel in a museum. Kids were allowed to be kids.
Does anyone socialize outside their group?
Not that I noticed, but I'm sure some of the kids talked and played with others they didn't arrive with.
Does anyone ask questions?
Kids asked questions, and parents explained the exhibitions to them, explaining how and why the objects do what they're supposed to. I saw a lot of great parenting.
Did you ask a question or socialize?
No.
Think about what behaviors the museum space supports in regard to socializing, learning, and engagement.
Notice the exhibits:
Are they designed for one person, two people, or a group?
Mostly for groups, and if they are for one or two people, they have a lot laid out so more families have the opportunity to experience the exhibit rather than waiting until someone is done.
Is there a deep dive into the content, or is the information “scaffolded” appropriately?
There's not much of a deep dive but rather lots of introductory ideas.
If there are any interactive technology exhibits, are they working? How do people interact with them? Get granular, think input/output:
Two exhibits stood out to me: a room where the sound made inside it would produce energy, sponsored by Con Edison. Unfortunately, no one went into the room while I was there, and I wasn't going to go in and start yelling as a solo visitor.
Spend a few minutes on the museum’s website:
Does the website ‘feel’ like it’s specific to the museum?
Yes, they immediately prompt you with ticket purchasing options, a calendar, and everything is tailored to what is currently ongoing in the Hall of Science.
Would you ever go back to the website? Why?
Maybe, if my nieces are in town, to check out what is going on if I believe they would be interested in going to a special event.
.I would have loved it here as a kid, with huge rocket ships visible from the exterior as you walk into the building, accompanied by a colorful playground. There are so many hands-on activities and seeing things change in real time is fascinating. The museum also offers many additional activities like theater, mini golf, and ice skating.
What works, what doesn’t? Immediate impression:
All the add-ons cost extra money. It would be nice if there were a single-price ticket that allowed you to do everything. Also, it would have been better if the restroom were not right next to the entrance, as it clutters the area with families waiting outside. The downstairs area, where most exhibits are, has a great circular layout that lets you see everything and leave where you started. The 'Women in Space' exhibit seems like it's just filler; I didn't really see people stop to read any of the captions or look at the photos, as it starts near double swinging doors and is almost hidden behind them. It would have been better if they had their own section in this museum rather than being in a hallway.
Do you feel welcomed, is the place intimidating or comfortable, what’s the atmosphere?
I did feel welcomed, although showing up as a solo adult felt a bit odd because there are lots of families and kids running around.
Every place has an emotional, social, and intellectual gestalt. Do your best to describe it:
The place is filled with energy, like a theme park.
A word (or two) for its personality?
Alive.
A memorable object, exhibit, hall, or interaction (person-to-person):
The Mathematica exhibit was the most memorable part for me, especially the minimal surface exhibit where users can control objects dropped into liquid soap. When the object is removed, it leaves behind a thin layer of soap that forms interesting shapes.
Hospitality: How hard is it to find the bathrooms, how nice are the guards, can you find your way around?
The bathroom is right next to the entrance/exit of the building. I walked around hoping to see more and didn't realize one of the main exhibitions was under construction, but when I asked a guard, he was very helpful in explaining where the main attractions were and asked if I had a specific interest so he could direct me appropriately.
Who’s there? Ages, demographics, and other details you notice about visitors:
There were lots of kids with parents, no teenagers.
Are they coming alone, in twos, or in groups?
Usually in groups or small families.
How do people socialize at the museum?
People talk in normal voices; there wasn't a sense of needing to be quiet, typically how you would feel in a museum. Kids were allowed to be kids.
Does anyone socialize outside their group?
Not that I noticed, but I'm sure some of the kids talked and played with others they didn't arrive with.
Does anyone ask questions?
Kids asked questions, and parents explained the exhibitions to them, explaining how and why the objects do what they're supposed to. I saw a lot of great parenting.
Did you ask a question or socialize?
No.
Think about what behaviors the museum space supports in regard to socializing, learning, and engagement.
Notice the exhibits:
Are they designed for one person, two people, or a group?
Mostly for groups, and if they are for one or two people, they have a lot laid out so more families have the opportunity to experience the exhibit rather than waiting until someone is done.
Is there a deep dive into the content, or is the information “scaffolded” appropriately?
There's not much of a deep dive but rather lots of introductory ideas.
If there are any interactive technology exhibits, are they working? How do people interact with them? Get granular, think input/output:
Two exhibits stood out to me: a room where the sound made inside it would produce energy, sponsored by Con Edison. Unfortunately, no one went into the room while I was there, and I wasn't going to go in and start yelling as a solo visitor.
Spend a few minutes on the museum’s website:
Does the website ‘feel’ like it’s specific to the museum?
Yes, they immediately prompt you with ticket purchasing options, a calendar, and everything is tailored to what is currently ongoing in the Hall of Science.
Would you ever go back to the website? Why?
Maybe, if my nieces are in town, to check out what is going on if I believe they would be interested in going to a special event.
Duban Morales
Week 01
Date 01/22/2025
Week 01
Date 01/22/2025
Museum Visit / Object Exhibition
Museum of the city of New York
During my initial visit to the museum, I felt like I was walking around an old, maybe a small high school that had been repurposed. I entered through a side entrance which didn’t do the place justice. It was only after I found the ticket booth on the first floor that I came across the grand stairway with its elegant chandelier. This made me wish I had entered through the main entrance originally, as it would have set a grand tone for the visit.
Finding the ticket booth was a bit of a challenge without help from security, and the path there felt outdated with old vinyl flooring that seemed low-budget. Despite these initial hiccups, the staff was really welcoming. The first floor, which held most of the textbook history of New York, was designed with black furniture and white text, giving it a serious and intimate feel.
As I moved up through the museum, each floor had its own characteristics. The ground and first floors felt very serious, but the second and third floors introduced more color and different room layouts. This made the museum feel more open to diverse experiences, especially with the vibrant street art exhibition featuring artists like Keith Haring. This part was a standout because it felt like there was truly something for everyone.
The guards were nice, and while it wasn’t easy to find a bathroom or a map layout, you could eventually figure out where things were if you walked around a bit. Most of the visitors seemed to be in their late 20s to late 40s, mostly coming in pairs, and generally keeping to themselves. The museum's design seemed to support this type of quiet socializing, with spaces that were better for one or two people, making it easy to skip sections if they were occupied, allowing others to enjoy the space privately.
Overall, my visit to the Museum of the City of New York was memorable, mixing elements of the city’s rich history with modern artistic expressions in a setting that invited personal reflection and appreciation. The museum had some navigational drawbacks, but these didn't significantly detract from the experience. The website seems practical mainly for purchasing tickets, and although I might not browse it for other reasons, it serves its primary function well.
One side note about the street art exhibit—they had a section where people could contribute their own art. A friend told me he had added something there earlier in the day, but by the time I arrived, his contribution was gone. This was disappointing and shifted my perspective on the participatory aspect of the exhibit. It raised questions about who decides what stays and what gets removed from this community wall. In real street art, there's no such curation; artists make their mark regardless of approvals or objections. This made me think about the nature of street art and its transient, often contentious presence in public spaces.
Finding the ticket booth was a bit of a challenge without help from security, and the path there felt outdated with old vinyl flooring that seemed low-budget. Despite these initial hiccups, the staff was really welcoming. The first floor, which held most of the textbook history of New York, was designed with black furniture and white text, giving it a serious and intimate feel.
As I moved up through the museum, each floor had its own characteristics. The ground and first floors felt very serious, but the second and third floors introduced more color and different room layouts. This made the museum feel more open to diverse experiences, especially with the vibrant street art exhibition featuring artists like Keith Haring. This part was a standout because it felt like there was truly something for everyone.
The guards were nice, and while it wasn’t easy to find a bathroom or a map layout, you could eventually figure out where things were if you walked around a bit. Most of the visitors seemed to be in their late 20s to late 40s, mostly coming in pairs, and generally keeping to themselves. The museum's design seemed to support this type of quiet socializing, with spaces that were better for one or two people, making it easy to skip sections if they were occupied, allowing others to enjoy the space privately.
Overall, my visit to the Museum of the City of New York was memorable, mixing elements of the city’s rich history with modern artistic expressions in a setting that invited personal reflection and appreciation. The museum had some navigational drawbacks, but these didn't significantly detract from the experience. The website seems practical mainly for purchasing tickets, and although I might not browse it for other reasons, it serves its primary function well.
One side note about the street art exhibit—they had a section where people could contribute their own art. A friend told me he had added something there earlier in the day, but by the time I arrived, his contribution was gone. This was disappointing and shifted my perspective on the participatory aspect of the exhibit. It raised questions about who decides what stays and what gets removed from this community wall. In real street art, there's no such curation; artists make their mark regardless of approvals or objections. This made me think about the nature of street art and its transient, often contentious presence in public spaces.
A SIGN OF THE TIME
Once placed in diners/restaurants
during the COVID - 19
pandemic reflects a period when
shared public spaces were
restricted. Serves as a reminder
of the collective adjustments
society made in response to a
global health crisis.
In-N-Out Burger (2020)