After a major renovation, the former V&A Museum of Childhood (1872) has been completely transformed and rebranded to Young V&A. Impressive redesign of the museum has taken it into the future that feels very welcoming, community friendly and relevant to visitors of any age.
First thing to notice when entering the museum is how light and uplifting the old building space has been made to feel.
Another thing is the fantastically clear wayfinding and communication. Immediately I have been informed what the museum is all about. Communication throughout the spaces had to be made so clear and simple that even a child can easily understand it. That inclusivity benefits everyone.
Co-creation and co-design
It is not surprising to find out that the redesign process was long, extremely through and done as a co-creation together with children, local families and schools (22,000 people).
The needs of visitors have been clearly heard and it already feels like a communal environment. Different spaces have clear functions and their own form and colour language to ease the use. Simple instructions can be found everywhere about how to use spaces.
Interactive and engaging
Most kids have a short attention span, so every effort has been made to make the exhibition spaces as engaging as possible. Edutainment using different interactive tools have been applied throughout using screens, play areas and encouraging exploration and making.
There is so much education and information that it is impossible to take it all in at one ago. Exhibition texts have been very carefully designed into several layers to take in appropriate amounts i.e. snippet of information. In the coming years, it is easy to see how the museum will become a familiar place for families to visit and experience something new every time.
Play and creativity
The museum aims to celebrate joyful and playful learning and develop creative confidence. Therefore, it is also a ‘doing’ museum offering spaces for sensory playscapes, a finger skateboard park, an ‘Imagination Playground’ construction zone and a lot more.
It is a real pleasure to spend time in a purposeful and well designed space. Furthermore, an immersive environment that makes you forget everything else is an inspirational experience for all ages.
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