Design Event / HUM(AI)N

 

I N T R O 

​

Old Montreal's Centre Phi has hosted numerous expos during its existence.  It's status in the city's art scene is quite important, and tourists flood in each summer to explore what is considered museum.  Having worked at Phi for Bjork's exhibit 3 years ago, I have returned as a gallery attendant this summer.  Seeing such an impressive organization from its backstages is a unique experience.  I have therefore decided to write this design event review from an employee point of vue, as it is entirely different than the visitor's. 

​

C E N T R E  P H I

​

My view of Phi before this expo was very positive.  I hadn't actually worked between these walls 3 years ago, as it was hosted at Fondation Phi (previously DHC/ART) but was under Centre Phi's umbrella.  I will not be giving a historical overview, as that information is readily available.  Phi is divided over 5 floors, of which 4 are accessible to the visitor. Espaces A, B, C, and D are all entirely modifiable and bare; events, screenings, meeting and -you guessed it- exhibits can take place.  There are also many office spaces, employee's rooms, tech rooms, and backstage territories.  

​

A P P E A R A N C E​

​

During our first training, it was clear that the exhibit space was just as important as the pieces presented.  The setup is meant to place the visitor right into the ' mood ', as transitioning from VR films should not feel like an entirely different universe.  Phi has therefore created a metal structure, with a very distinct urban and industrial feel.  At the middle of the space, the 'heart' of Hum(AI)n is placed; all the computers, screens and wires meant to support the VR pieces are bare and transparent, for the visitor to see.  This is a contrast to some other exhibits, where the user would never see the back ends of the decor.  The importance of visual aesthetics was made clear to us during our first training session, where matching t-shirts were distributed, as well as water bottles that blend into the decor.  In fact, as gallery attendants, we are meant to be entirely within the flow of one's visual field. Although buying the same exact water bottle for everyone seems like a stretch, it does make a difference we might not notice if we aren't looking; photos and videos of the exhibit rarely have an unfitting element, which is exactly what we want.  

​

V I S I T O R ' S  E X P E R I E N C E

​

Not to brag or anything, but from reading reviews, the best part about visiting Phi's events is the exhibit mediator's service.  When anyone enters the building, they are received by the welcome desk, where any questions can be answered.  The box office attendants then make sure to prepare the visitor for their experience; a preliminary description of certain pieces is done, as well as certain recommendations.  Once that step done, the visitors goes up the stairs into the exhibit space.  Of course, their ascent is informed to the attendants via walkie-talkie, a device that is highly used to assure the perfect orchestration of the user's experience.  An attendant then receives the visitors at the top of the stairs, a very big smile on their face.  "French or English?" is the first question asked, to assure perfect communication between attendant and client.  Each one of us has a different welcome speech, and it only feels right to show you mine: 

"Welcome to Phi! Up here you'll have six different pieces, five being VR and one an AI.  Behind you, between the two black walls, you'll have three more pieces to explore.  There is no order to any of them, we just ask you to wait for one of the attendants before you touch any of the equipment so we avoid damage.  You'll get lockers on your right [point to the lockers] and washrooms on your left [point to the washrooms].  If you have any questions, let us know!"

From there, people can walk around and choose which pieces they'd like to try first.  To each station is assignment an employee.  They are positioned to give a description of what the user's going to see / do and answer any concerns.  Of course, attendants move around and cover for colleagues if their station is crowded.  For Hum(ai)n, some pieces are difficult to watch; one discusses suicide, sexual agression and trauma, another is filled with realistic snakes, and another is set in a horror-like decor.  Reactions can be intense, and warnings have to be given.  We are there to intervene if any experiences are too difficult.  Furthermore, many of then can cause vertigo or nausea, to which one might experience malaise.  We are equipped to make sure it doesn't ruin anyone's visit.  Some have also never tried virtual reality before, and it can get quite stressful.  We then adapt our interaction to make sure they are comfortable. 

This is a space that can be adapted to any group of people.  We have received groups for corporate events, elders, school groups, children and physically impaired visitors.  Attendants are there to shift the space around to make sure it remains comfortable, safe and pleasant for anyone.   

​

O U T R O 

​

Overall, Centre Phi has a talent for exhibit setup.  Not only is the decor always on point, adaptable and convenient, but the service is part of that high quality visit.  Behind the scenes, let it be between two discrete walls or through walkie-talkies, employees have worked and work for the user to seamlessly visit and experience.  Comparable to a Disney park, no one knows about the unpainted plywood in the backrooms and the subtle tech interventions.  Come say hi! 

​

​