Issue 104 - January 2024

MILAN: Natural History Museum Reopens with Renewed Exhibition Layout

Innovation and plurality of narration The Migliore+Servetto design studio designs the new permanent installation for the room on human evolution within the Natural History Museum of Milan A narrative landscape conceived around visitors’ actions and perceptions

Overview of the entry of Room IX © Andrea Martiradonna

The Migliore+Servetto design studio, which won the national competition to design the set-up of the whole museum in 2018, has created the permanent design for Room IX of the Natural History Museum of Milan, dedicated to the “Natural history of humans”. The intervention involves approximately 400 square metres and ranges from the overall conception of the room layout – also in terms of the planes and spaces of the environmental graphic communication and multimedia – to the design of the installations that will lead to the reopening of the room to the public, starting from the end of 2023, one year after its closure. Thanks to the choral synergy between the exhibition elements, graphic communication and multimedia, the Studio’s contribution aims to restore the museum room’s status as a true “theatre of narration” that can dialogue with a variety of audiences in terms of age, level of knowledge, language and culture of belonging, while always keeping the visitor the protagonist of the whole experience. The exhibition concept, which was designed for the human evolution room (Room IX), is thus just the first step of the renovation process put into place by the museum and has been conceived so that it can be included in and adapted to all the other rooms.

The Natural History Museum of Milan is a cultural and artistic centre for the city of Milan as the guardian of a collection of inestimable scientific value, which consists of more than 700 display cases divided into 23 rooms, housed in a Neo-Gothic style building within the Public Gardens of Porta Venezia.

Overview on Scenic Tower 0.2/Fuori dall’Africa, 0.3/Homo sapiens and a free-standing display cabinet. © Migliore Servetto

The architects Ico Migliore and Mara Servetto have placed temporality at the core of the general concept and permanent exhibition design for the room, imagining spaces destined for long-term use. For this purpose, the exhibition system was conceived so that it could be integrated, and as such it is composed of freestanding, independent elements that fit into the space in a light manner and which have been designed to house different types of contents.

In keeping with the objectives of the scientific project by Anna Alessandrello, Curator of the Palaeontology Section of the Natural History Museum of Milan, the arrangement of the contents is able to develop a dense and stratified narration thanks to this new exhibition system. In this way, the visitor can approach the contents in a more engaging and spontaneous way through different levels of depth depending on their curiosity and knowledge.

Focus on Scenic Tower 0.1/Un cespuglio africano. © Migliore Servetto

The design of the room’s new layout, which includes different exhibition typologies, reflects the curatorial subdivision of the space into four macro areas in ways that are immediately understandable, with every area distinguished by a specific colour and out of scale visual and numerical signage. “Who are we?”: the position of humans in nature and within the order of primates; “An African bush”: numerous species of bipedal hominids originated and coexisted in Africa between 6 and 2 million years ago, including the oldest Homo genus; “Out of Africa”: over roughly the last two million years, representatives of the Homo genus expanded their spatial range, spreading outside Africa on several occasions; “Homo Sapiens”: the appearance of the oldest members of our species.

A scenic tower stands out in the middle of each area as the core of the installation: a 4.5 metre-high parallelepiped made entirely of glass is conceived as the setting of a narration that spans the physical and the digital, both in the interior and exterior spaces. The first tower is completely closed and acts as a huge display case, within which skeletons of current primates are exhibited. The second one can be crossed through and invites visitors to enter and immerse themselves in the multimedia scenography. The third one features an entrance that opens up the view over the inner environment, which is arranged to build an immersive form of storytelling recounting how the ancient representatives of the Homo genus left Africa. The last one, which also can be crossed through like the second one, is dedicated to thought and creativity and is next to a special purpose-built display case that hosts the monumental remains of prehistoric animals.

Five 2.5 metre-high free-standing display cabinets are arranged alongside the four towers. Conceived as narrative open chests they are placed upright and, inside them, the installation explores themes concerning the section in which they are located. In addition, there are five display cases in the room divided in two typologies: tables and towers. Thanks to imperceptible lamps mounted on both longitudinal sides, it was possible to set up both the models from the inside. This device was designed to facilitate further updates and changes to the contents on display quickly and easily, in order to fulfil the ever-changing exhibition needs. To give continuity to the storytelling, which is divided into four moments, the Migliore+Servetto design studio has placed a double inclined plane on both longitudinal sides of the room. One plane for each section hosts the timeline that accompanies the public during the visit by contextualising the storytelling temporally.

Focus on a Scenic Tower 0.0/Chi siamo? and Timeline 0.0/Chi siamo? © Migliore Servetto

Two graphic walls are placed at the entrance and the exit of the Room, acting as two narrative planes that remind visitors of the complex themes on display.

A lateral, fixed-angle terrace completes the installation, offering an overview of the room to those sitting there. It was conceived to host groups and offer a starting point for visits for the guides, who can explain and introduce the complicated issues of the upcoming sections in this place.

“We believe that the museum space should increasingly become a place of consciousness and identity, an inclusive space that can speak to different audiences in different ways, somewhere people can meet and to which they want to return,” said architects Ico Migliore and Mara Servetto. “The intention behind the intervention to renovate the identity and storytelling power of the Room dedicated to the Natural History of humans is part of a wider project that is aimed at restoring the high cultural value of the Natural History Museum of Milan. Already a place of outstanding richness, thanks to the new project it can now offer diversified narrative scenarios for a memorable experience of exploration and knowledge.”

Migliore+Servetto also curated the lighting design, in which light and shadow are conceived as two dialectic elements that permeate the environment to build pathways and trace accents, defining the visit and reading pace. Lastly, the project also envisages an environmental sound diffusion to accompany the visit.

Within the final concept, the graphic design was developed by Studio Nexo, while the multimedia content was by Studio Azzurro. The production was carried out by Gruppo Fallani.

Focus on Scenic Tower 0.3/Homo sapiens con Glyptodon Claviceps. © Migliore Servetto

About Migliore+Servetto

Founded in 1997 by IcoMigliore and Mara Servetto, Migliore+Servetto is an Italian design studio based in Milan that has carried out over 800 projects in 21 countries, obtaining prestigious international awards, including 3 Compassod’Oro ADI awards, 13 Red Dot Design Awards (Germany), 2 German Design Awards (Germany), 3 FX Interior Design Awards (United Kingdom) and 2 International Design Awards (USA). The Studio moves between architecture, graphics and design with particular attention to the value of the places’ identities, which are always conceived as narrative spaces. In parallel to this, it develops on-going research activities into the use of light and new technologies. Ico Migliore is a Professor at the Politecnico di Milano and Chair Professor at Dongseo University in Busan (South Korea), while Mara Servetto is a Visiting Professor at Joshibi University in Tokyo. The companies and institutions that have entrusted the Studio with their projects include Max Mara, Tod’s, Giorgio Armani, Fila, Intesa Sanpaolo, Lexus, Samsung, Whirlpool, Bombardier, New York Times and Wallpaper*. Interventions for several major cultural destinations in Italy and abroad bear the signature of Migliore+Servetto, such as the Egyptian Museum in Turin, the Miramare Museum in Trieste, the Chopin Museum in Warsaw and the ADI Design Museum in Milan. In terms of urban design, in South Korea, M+S conceived the project for the Waterfront Door / Into the Ocean and the Blue Line Park in Busan, which was also awarded the Urban Branding and Tourism Landscape Award 2021 and was selected for the FX International Design Awards (UK) 2021 in the Public Space category. Recently, the Studio designed the interiors of the new headquarters of The Human Safety Net, the humanitarian foundation of the Generali Group, at the ProcuratieVecchie in Piazza San Marco in Venice, and it has just inaugurated the project for the new Electa bookshops inside the Colosseum.

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Related Topics:exhibition Italy Museum of Milan Natural History Museum News

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Issue 104 - January 2024

11th Hour Racing Provides Support to Nonprofit Organizations in Coastal Communities

11th Hour Racing announced its support of nine new U.S. grant recipients as part of its ongoing philanthropic efforts funded by the Schmidt Family Foundation. These nonprofit organizations are leading initiatives at the crossroads of education and the environment in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Puerto Rico.

Save the Sound harvests eelgrass seeds to restore the marine ecosystem in the Long Island Sound. © 11th Hour Racing

Reinforcing its mission to support local programs that model best practices of sustainability, restore coastal ecosystems, and advance ocean stewardship, 11th Hour Racing also renewed grants with 25 nonprofit organizations and supported 11 community nonprofits in Rhode Island, bringing total funding to $4 million in grant giving in 2023.

“11th Hour Racing’s strategy centers on improving ocean health with an array of solutions that start on land,” said Michelle Carnevale, president of 11th Hour Racing. “Community composting is a strong focus this year – because it transforms food waste into nutrient-rich soil that helps nature sequester more carbon. We’ve also broadened our support of diverse organizations that are leading policy research, testing out advances in ecosystem restoration, and teaching traditional ecological knowledge.”

These nine new grantees join 11th Hour Racing’s current 48-strong cohort of grantees creating systemic change to restore ocean health. The following are the new grantees and work supported by 11th Hour Racing.

Compost Power (New York City, N.Y.) hosts weekly workshops and trains young adults from public housing communities on composting practices and leadership. It processes residential food waste and distributes finished compost to city residents and community gardens.
Franklin’s Promise Coalition (Apalachicola, Fla.) leads experiential youth leadership programs, including BoriCorps in Puerto Rico and OysterCorps in Florida, focused on workforce development in restoring mangroves, salt marshes, oyster habitats, and living shorelines to advance coastal resilience in historically marginalized communities.
Institute for Local Self-Reliance (Washington, D.C.) will advance BIPOC-centered composting programs in the northeast United States through a small grants initiative.
Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe (Mashpee, Mass.) is implementing a four-week Preserving Our Homelands Youth in Science summer program that combines traditional ecological knowledge with Western science and supports operations of this region’s only native-owned and operated shellfish farm.
Novak Lab (Boston, Mass.) reduces the climate vulnerability of New England eelgrass meadows on Cape Cod by transplanting eelgrass shoots from regional locations with higher average water temperatures and supports restoration efforts of vital eelgrass habitat on Nantucket.
Rhode Island Food Policy Council (Providence, R.I.) supports a just and resilient food system in Rhode Island, including advancing municipal composting initiatives, building a network of compost leaders, and advocating for sustainable food policy.
Rhode Island Schools Recycling Project (Providence, R.I.) is expanding its food waste and healthy food capture and diversion program into five additional schools, training students to lead their fellow students in lunchroom composting, diverting healthy edible food, and recycling. The program is also conducting a case study on cost-saving benefits for schools that switch to lunchroom food waste sorting stations.
Stone Living Lab (Boston, Mass.) improves biodiversity and water quality by installing Living Seawalls, eco-engineered habitat-mimicking concrete structures that will help create more viable Boston Harbor ecosystems while conducting educational events for key municipal and climate resilience professionals.
Urban Ocean Lab (Boston, Mass.) cultivates rigorous, creative, equitable, and practical climate and ocean policy for the future of coastal cities. To advance the use of nature-based solutions in coastal cities nationwide, Urban Ocean Lab is partnering with Stone Living Lab to document, translate, and disseminate lessons learned from the City of Boston’s use of nature-based solutions as an adaptation measure.

11th Hour Racing’s additional contributions to Rhode Island-based nonprofit organizations reflect its mission to support those working to forge a sustainable and inclusive coastal community, foster resilience, and tackle local environmental challenges.

Donation recipients include Bike Newport, Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County, Conexión Latina Newport, Eating with the Ecosystem, EcoRI News, FabNewport, International Tennis Hall of Fame’s TeamFAME Program, Newport Festivals Foundation, Portsmouth AgInnovation Farm, Sankofa Community Connection, and Zero Waste Providence.

11th Hour Racing is now accepting grant applications through March 31, 2024, and welcomes national and international organizations to apply. To learn more, visit 11thhourracing.org.

The Trustees of Reservations is measuring carbon sequestration and restoring vegetation in a portion of New England's 20,000-acre salt marsh to keep pace with climate change. — The Trustees of Reservations is measuring carbon sequestration and restoring vegetation in a portion of New England’s 20,000-acre salt marsh to keep pace with climate change. © 11th Hour Racing

About 11th Hour Racing

11th Hour Racing works to mobilize sports, maritime, and coastal communities with an innovative approach to inspire solutions for the ocean. Since 2010 the organization has been harnessing the power of sport to promote collaborative, systemic change through three primary areas of engagement: Sponsorships, Grantees, and Ambassadors. Learn more at www.11thhourracing.org.

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Issue 104 - January 2024

SSI Launches ‘Underwater Explorers Worldwide’ Facebook Group to Unite Divers Worldwide

Scuba Schools International (SSI) has launched a new Facebook group, ‘Underwater Explorers Worldwide’. This exciting new community is designed to bring together divers from around the world to share their knowledge and passion for underwater adventures.

Why ‘Underwater Explorers Worldwide’?

SSI recognizes the need for a vibrant and engaging platform that goes beyond training and certifications. A place where divers of all experience levels can come together to celebrate the wonders of the underwater world. Here, divers can find a supportive network of other divers who are keen to share their experiences, insights, and tips to enhance every diving adventure.

Benefits of joining:

Joining ‘Underwater Explorers Worldwide’ offers a multitude of benefits. Divers can get unbiased views on everything related to diving. They can ask questions, receive valuable feedback, and get validation from a global community of divers. With members from around the world, it is easy for divers to make new friends and discover new places to go diving.

Who is this group for?

The ‘Underwater Explorers Worldwide’ Facebook group is for everyone interested in diving – be that scuba diving, freediving, Extended Range diving, or mermaiding. This diverse and inclusive group caters for all experience levels; from beginners right through to professionals.

Inside the group, members can explore a world of topics, such as:

Dive spots around the world.
Dive trip planning tips.
Equipment reviews and recommendations.
Dive safety and skills.
Marine conservation and environmental awareness.
Underwater photography and videography.
Dive stories and experiences.
Diving Q&A sessions, polls, surveys, and quizzes.
SSI updates and news.
Exciting events.
Inspiring interviews.

So, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting your underwater journey, SSI invites you to become a part of this extraordinary community today:

Join the ‘Underwater Explorers Worldwide’ Community.

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Issue 104 - January 2024

SEVENSEAS Travel Magazine – January 2024 – Issue 104

Feature Destination

Rapa Nui’s Hidden Gems and Sacred Spaces

Easter Island, or Rapa Nui, is a bastion of ancient mystery and modern allure, a remote volcanic island in the southeastern Pacific Ocean. It’s world-renowned for its archaeological treasures, particularly the nearly 900 Moai statues carved by the early Rapa Nui people. Read more…

Rapa Nui Multiple Use Marine Coastal Protected Area, a Blueprint for Conservation

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Liz Cunningham’s Ocean Hope Chronicles are dedicated to inspiring individuals who are making a difference to protect the life of the seas. “Majority world.” My ears pricked up. I had not heard that term before. The speaker continued. “The majority world is home to talented conservationists who have historically been underrepresented due to colonialism. Read more…

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SEVENSEAS Beach Cleanup & Coral Restoration Events in Marine Protected Areas

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Coral Nursery & Restoration Activity Update: July 2023

In July 2023, SEVENSEAS Media conducted two impactful events in Krabi, Thailand. The Monthly Beach Cleanup Event at Ao Sew Beach saw enthusiastic volunteers remove a staggering 150.6 kilograms of trash, underscoring the pressing issue of marine pollution and the significance of sustainable practices like reducing, reusing, and recycling waste. The organization stressed the importance of proper waste management to protect coastal ecosystems.

Meanwhile, in the face of an unexpected storm, SEVENSEAS Media’s Coral Nursery & Restoration team demonstrated unwavering dedication, rescuing and relocating 75 corals to safer locations, bolstering their chances of survival and growth. The team outlined a comprehensive plan for continued coral recovery missions and data collection efforts throughout the year. The recent storm served as a stark reminder of the urgency to safeguard coral reefs from climate change impacts. We would like to express our gratitude for the support received from individuals and communities in this conservation community. We would not be able to do it without your support. You can make a tax-deductible donation here to keep our publications and Thailand Cleanup Project afloat.

You can either make a direct financial contribution to SEVENSEAS Media through The Ocean Foundation website or connect us with potential donors by sending an email to Giacomo Abrusci, our Editor-in-Chief.

The FREE Weekly Conservation Post and Jobs List

Signing up for the free Weekly Newsletter & Jobs List will get you a round-up of upcoming events, webinars, meetings, reports, funding opportunities, photos of the week, and recent postings to the jobs list.

To sign up for our free subscription, please Click Here or email us Here.

Since 2004, SEVENSEAS Media has fostered an informal and non-partisan platform to promote understanding of key issues and challenges while building partnerships across an increasingly diverse group of marine conservation professionals and students.

Our mission is to promote communication and build partnerships across the global marine community and to identify and address gaps in the community’s work. SEVENSEAS Media achieves this through multimedia promotion and partnerships. The community consists of a diverse and growing group of participants, including non-governmental organizations, government agencies, foundations, bilateral and multilateral agencies, fellowship programs, independent consultants, and academia/students.

If you are interested in contributing or getting involved, email us Here.

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