The Design Museum, London: A Must-Visit for Global Designers! 🇬🇧🎨

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This is the museum every global designer needs to visit! The Design Museum, London, offers an inspiring journey through the world of design, and its own "rags-to-riches" story is incredibly motivational!

History: From Basement to Design Icon! 🚀

The museum's "origin story" is nothing short of an inspiring drama! From a basement "nobody" to a design heavyweight. In 1981, it was merely a "little-known" entity tucked away in the basement of the V&A, primarily focusing on modern design exhibitions. But who doesn't have a dream of a comeback? In 1989, it struck out on its own, relocating to the banks of the River Thames. Later, it hit the jackpot, moving into the former Commonwealth Institute building on Kensington High Street, instantly transforming into a "top-tier" institution in the design world!

Architecture: A Masterful Transformation! 🏗️✨

The museum's stunning architectural transformation was a collaborative effort by OMA + Allies and Morrison, with the interior architecture masterfully handled by the renowned John Pawson.

The original building, a modernist structure from the 1960s, was reimagined with a celebrated minimalist style. The renovation beautifully integrates the original building's geometric structure with contemporary design language, seen in elements like its distinctive folded roof and extensive use of wood. This "new-meets-old" approach is a common and highly successful technique in renovation projects by contemporary British architectural firms.

The interior design seamlessly "stitches" together the historical feel of the old building with modern steel frame structures, achieving a perfect fusion of new and old. Honestly, I came specifically to see the architecture itself, and it did not disappoint! It's a truly remarkable space that celebrates design in every detail.

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Post by Fly with Jess | Jun 15, 2025