This exhibition explores how art and design were affected by and influenced the events and tense political atmosphere of the cold war era.

Universal’s intent was to create a context for the objects on display that would reinforce the ideas of each chapter in the exhibition. The exhibition design addresses each of the seven sections or chapters individually rather than creating one overall spatial theme. Design continuity is maintained through consistent showcase details, colour application rules and large graphic statements.

Colour was a major mechanism in creating atmosphere, and legibility. Each chapter was given a colour story, which was then applied to all designed surfaces; showcases, plinths, graphics, and partitions.

Included within the exhibition brief was the reconstruction of a large architectural, pneumatic structure : the Oasis No. 7. Universal worked directly with the original architects, Haus Rucker in its re-creation. The final piece is comprised of a 10m high temporary wall from which is cantilevered a 7m diameter PVC pneumatic sphere and a cantilevered steel space frame structure.  Click here to see a short film of Oasis No.7 under construction.

Cold War Modern occupies 3 large temporary exhibit galleries within the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.