Planning a Large-Format Exhibition Installation: A Process Reference

Large-format installations — township masterplans, exhibition centrepieces, and multi-project developer showcases spanning thousands of square feet — require a different planning process than a standalone model. This reference documents the stages we work through on projects of this scale.

Scoping and modularisation

The first decision is how the installation splits into transportable modules. Module size is driven backwards from the largest vehicle and doorway the piece needs to pass through en route to the venue, not from the design itself — the design is then segmented along natural break lines such as roads, plot boundaries, or structural joints so the seams are invisible once assembled.

Production sequencing

• Base and structural framework for each module, built and load-tested independently.
• Parallel production of facades, landscaping, and detailing across modules simultaneously.
• A full dry-assembly at the workshop before transport, to catch alignment issues before they become a site problem.
• Disassembly, packing, and labelling of every module and connector for reassembly order.

Transport and on-site assembly

Modules are packed with custom foam-lined crating sized to each piece, and a written assembly sequence travels with the shipment so the on-site team — which may not be the same team that built it — can reassemble without ambiguity. On-site time is minimised by front-loading as much finishing work as possible at the workshop; ideally, assembly on-site is closer to installation than construction.

Lighting and services integration

Where an installation includes integrated lighting or interactive elements, wiring runs are planned at the modularisation stage, with connector points at module seams designed to reconnect cleanly during assembly rather than requiring on-site rewiring.