Let’s see more true temporary exhibition design recognised

Congratulations on putting together another stunning booklet, displaying the winners of the the 2007 Design Week Awards.

Being what we would term exhibition designers (sometimes known as exhibitionists), we were really interested in seeing who had won what in the Temporary Exhibition Design category. The work in this section was inspired as always, but we wonder can it really be described as ‘temporary exhibition design’? Indeed, apart from the fabulous Flos exhibition stand, the remaining award winners had more in common with museums and visitor attractions than true temporary exhibition design.

Here at With, we spend most of our time producing eye-catching exhibition or trade fair stands. We develop three-dimensional interpretations of brands and key marketing messages, creating architecture that lasts for a matter of days rather than months. Our work is designed to be standalone – it is both the gallery and the content, and must communicate a clear and effective message within a bustling trade show event.

Please lets see more true temporary exhibition design represented in next year’s awards, without the encroachment of work that should be in the museums category. The other option may be to create a new category entitled Trade Fair Design, which I’m sure would generate huge volumes of worthy entries from all of us busy exhibition designers.

Andy Toogood, Exhibitions design and project manager, With, Manchester M3 7BF