v&a - the great moghuls
Inspired by the Architecture of the Great Moghul empire, the three periods are divided in three different characters, with faceted walls, grids and octagonal rooms. The objects are carefully lit and, in some cases, complemented by large projections that will show their intricate details and text. Room one sets the scene of the exhibition and brings to life the red sandstone tones, in the corridor as well as the plinth cases.
As one walks through that room, one enters the second that is set out on a grid of the 8 paradises. The corners of the grid are cut out, allowing people to get glimpses through the exhibition and appreciate the magnificence of the collection, prior to getting closer to them.
The thresholds between the passages and the details on the plinths are inspired by the detailed carvings of the buildings. The final room, inspired by the octagonal buildings of that era, is set around two of these that could celebrate specific objects. The inlay idea is represented through a wireframe colour on the thresholds and the plinth details.
A tiny detail - one for each era - inspired by the inlays in the floors and the carvings of the architecture finds itself as a ‘hinge’ that holds the textured panels together on the wall, further inviting people to look closely and appreciate the intricacy of the empire.
