Behind the build: Habitat’s Changing Spaces exhibition

Join us for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how our EC scenic team brought the Habitat’s 60th anniversary exhibition, “Changing Spaces,” to life.

After months of collaboration with Habitat and DRUM, we’re proud to have created an interactive space that truly engaged visitors, showcased at the Design Museum.

The Creative Process

Our collaboration began with the aim of celebrating six decades of design innovations that have shaped modern homes. EC’s creative team worked alongside DRUM to delve into Habitat’s rich history to craft an exhibition that not only reflected its unique character and history but also envisioned the future of home design. This process involved overcoming conceptual challenges and implementing innovative design solutions that pushed the boundaries of creativity.

The exhibition was segmented into thematic areas, CREATE, CONNECT, REST, and TRANSFORM, each crafted to offer visitors a distinct and interactive experience:

• CREATE area allowed visitors to engage and express their creativity through activities like drawing on wipeable Perspex silhouettes, inspired by Habitat’s iconic ceramic designs. This zone used a variety of textured and fluted materials, painted in Habitat’s primary blue, to stimulate creative interaction.
• CONNECT featured large digital screens displaying both new and existing Habitat content, bridging the gap between the brand’s rich heritage and its current innovations. This space was designed to foster connections by juxtaposing old Habitat objects with new versions, displayed in a visually engaging setup.
• REST was envisioned as a cocoon-like installation made reusing strips of various Habitat textiles, creating an inviting, immersive environment. This area was designed to offer visitors a tactile experience, encouraging relaxation and engagement within a space lined with soft Habitat bedding and cushions.
• TRANSFORM showcased a dramatic lighting installation, using Habitat’s iconic light fixtures within a mirrored room to create a kaleidoscopic effect. This installation was not only a visual spectacle but also an innovative use of space and reflective surfaces to amplify the impact of light.

Scenic Bringing it to Life

The exhibition featured colorful and textured statement pieces, considered lighting and spaces designed for slow living. Visitors were able to explore iconic objects from Habitat’s “60 Years of Design” collection, each element carefully crafted by our scenic team. To make this possible, our scenic team used a variety of skills such as expert carpentry, fabric manipulation, scenic painting, electric installation or  precision CNC cutting. Their expertise ensured that every piece resonated with the exhibition’s theme, providing an immersive and engaging experience.

The Impact

With 19 pieces of coverage in publications like the Financial Times, Time Out or Hypebeast and reaching an audience of around 1.1 million people, the exhibition extended its influence far beyond the physical space. The “Changing Spaces” installation significantly highlighted Habitat’s legacy and forward-looking approach to home design. By transforming the exhibition space into a dynamic and interactive environment, we enhanced visitor engagement and showcased our expertise in turning imaginative concepts into interactive realities. This project not only celebrated design innovation but also demonstrated how interactive elements can deepen visitor involvement and leave a lasting impression.