10 June 2011

Mivan Concludes Glasgow Museum Project

NI-based Mivan was appointed in 2009 by Glasgow City Council as Principal Contractor for the hugely-demanding fit-out of the iconic new Glasgow Riverside Museum which was designed by the internationally renowned architect, Zaha Hadid.

The company's package, which is valued around £5 million, concludes in June of this year and includes the design, manufacture and installation of all bespoke joinery.

Many months of development work were required in order to perfect the system, and prototype versions of the unitry were produced to test the structural integrity of all of the elements - which display a varied assortment of historic transport exhibits in a way which communicates clearly the nature of the artefacts, while contributing markedly to the sense of wonder in the eyes of visitors. All design and manufacturing work was done in Mivan's 11,000m2 factory at the company's Head Office in County Antrim, Northern Ireland.

In particular this featured the innovative flexible display systems (FDS), designed by Event Communications of London and developed by Event, Mivan and the Glasgow museum team. The system presents the vast range of unique museum artefacts ranging from steam engines to classic cars and motor cycles.

This installation of complex exhibition systems enhances the excitement and understanding of the exhibits and it can even demonstrate the moving mechanisms for some of the larger artefacts; its flowing lines incorporate technology and graphics.

Mivan's fit-out of the museum also included stylised street scenes, display cases, and graphics, as well as the management and co-ordination of all specialist sub contractors and suppliers.

(GK/BMCC)