David Bowie Centre

V&A East

How do you capture David Bowie within an archive?

The David Bowie Centre at V&A East Storehouse is the new permanent home for David Bowie’s archive. The space hosts everything from guest curated small displays to Bowie’s unrealised projects.

We were asked to extend our work on Storehouse and deliver interpretation and signage for the David Bowie Centre. The Centre is a part-permanent, part-rotating exhibition – with displays, a study centre, a learning zone, and a research library. Architects IDK led the collaborative project, which saw us build a world around Bowie’s life and artistic pursuits — connecting visitors with Bowie through his pervasive influence on popular culture.

Collectively we were inspired by Bowie the performer and designed a dynamic space that pays homage to his legacy, stagecraft and theatrics. Our approach revelled in iridescent, shiny and reflective materials that worked in concert with the 3D design and lighting.

  • communication: Interpretation / Signage
  • experience: Interactive exhibits
The clothing rail stores and showcases some of Bowie’s most iconic costumes overhead. We worked with the V&A to design special archival garment bags which double as an interpretation moment
The Interpretation Hardware we designed for Storehouse was given an iridescent makeover for DBC, including orange flourishes for guest curated displays
The ‘Library Of Connections’ is an interactive moment that invites visitors to explore the cultural resonance of Bowie’s eras of work. Visitors can pick up various objects to explore how they relate to Bowie and his influence
A Visitor Expression Point continues the interactivity further in the space
Project Credits:

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Lead Architects and Designers:
IDK

Graphic & Interpretation:
Fieldwork Facility

Lighting:
Studio ZNA

Structural Design:
Structure Workshop

MEP & Service Design:
P3R Engineers

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Fieldwork Facility:
Creative Direction: Robin Howie
Design: Tilia Bertrand-Shelton, Robin Howie, Imogen Ayres, Lan Lê