Wearable tech revolution, open culture and ethical scrutiny all forecast in 2015 museums TrendsWatch report
The 2015 edition of the TrendsWatch report, which highlights trends to watch out for in museums in the coming year has been released, with rising tides, wearable tech and open culture all on the agenda.
The report, from the Center for the Future of Museums (CFM) and the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), annually identifies six trends that will shape the way museums worldwide will handle affairs, do business and engage visitors.
Written by Elizabeth Merritt of the CFM, the 2015 report highlights open culture and data movements, consumers’ heightened awareness of ethical issues, personalisation, climate change and rising sea levels, plus wearable technology, and the slow culture movement.
The first identified trend – “The Open Economy” – looks at open sources of information, software and government. The open culture movement urges a fundamental cultural shift in these areas, calling for nearly all data to be made available to everybody, bar a compelling reason to keep it secure. The report states that “Museum data – cultural, scientific, especially operational – has traditionally been closely controlled,” questioning whether - in a world pivoting towards open source - the museum sector can afford to get left behind.
“Ethical Everything” was the next identified trend, meaning increased demand for ethical sourcing and production, transparency and accountability for these things. The report notes the rise of social media playing a key part in the user’s ability to wield the ethical sword. Merritt adds that “nonprofits, traditionally assumed to be on the side of angels, don’t get a free pass in this era of soul-searching.”
The third trend, “It’s Personal”, looks at the future of bespoke treatment of visitors at museums. With technology now making personalised goods and services relatively cheap to produce, audiences could expect museums’ products, communications and experiences to be tailored towards their personal interests.
The rising tides can cause significant problems for coast-based museums. The next trend identifies the problem, with museums having to protect cultural heritage from oncoming elements. Merritt says that museums will take “a cold-blooded” assessment when looking at future development, with the assessment affecting everything “from choosing a building site to selecting the elements of design.” The report says future museum masterplans for buildings and grounds will be be adjusted every decade to adapt to changing conditions.
The arrival of more wearable tech – such as the Apple Watch and Google Glass – in the mass market will mean big things for museums. The trend will see museums integrate new technology, social media, communications and data analytics to offer a new kind of experience for each individual visitor.
The final trend identified by the report is the slow culture movement. The trend signifies a return to a less fast-paced way of life, which Merritt suggests can present the opportunity for museums to position themselves as refuges from an overwhelming world. The fast-paced user will still exist though, so museums will have to look at how to accommodate different paces, with slow and fast lanes one suggestion.
To read the full report click here.
BIG unveils Eve Music Hall as Croatia venue nears completion
Bob Rogers hands BRC to long-serving leadership team
Wellness care hospital opens in Vilnius with innovative spa and hospitality concept
Universal and Puy du Fou projects point to rise of Oxford–Cambridge corridor
A proposed Puy du Fou development near Bicester and Universal Destinations and Experiences’ planned resort in Bedford are emerging as part of a wider transformation of the Oxford–Cambridge Growth Corridor into a major centre for UK leisure and tourism investment.
For years, the corridor has been associated primarily with science, technology, housing and university-led economic growth. However, the clustering of large-scale visitor attraction projects along the
All-inclusive eco-wellness development Auko to open near Vietnam’s Son Doong caves
Shedd Aquarium upgrades its visitor experience with new Immersion Theater
Shedd Aquarium has opened the Immersion Theater developed in partnership with SimEx-Iwerks, as part of a wider strategy to enhance the guest experience and create additional revenue opportunities.
The attraction has transformed the aquarium’s Phelps Auditorium into a multi-sensory venue combining panoramic projection, environmental effects and interactive technology.
A new pre-show area allows visitors to engage with augmented reality marine animals before entering the
Mandarin Oriental announces standalone Mansions-branded residences for Abu Dhabi
MCR is planning a luxury hotel for London's BT Tower
Joy as a radical act: Yinka Ilori launches solo exhibition celebrating the rebellious power of spreading happiness
Work gets underway on Madrid's €800 million leisure complex
Work is underway in Madrid on one of Europe’s most significant multi-functional complexes, combining sport, entertainment, culture and education.
The €800 million initiative to regenerate the former Olympic Aquatic Centre in the north-east of the city, next to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano stadium, is being led by Barsento – a joint venture between Live Nation Entertainment, Oak View Group and Atlético de Madrid. The project will
Therme Manchester reveals 90:90 strategy – 90 per cent of the UK population within a 90-minute drive of a Therme
Four Seasons’ Naples Beach Club opens 2,800sq m Sanctuary spa inspired by indigenous Calusa people
Orient Express Corinthian to host Ocean Rebirth wellness retreat in collaboration with Guerlain
Famed London nightclub, Tramp, launches Tramp Health
First look: Miraval opens on the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia
Hainan Science Museum by Ma Yansong, opens in China
A new science museum has opened to the public in Haikou after attracting more than 350,000 visitors during a four-month soft opening period.
Designed by Ma Yansong and his practice MAD Architects, the Hainan Science Museum is located on the edge of Wuyuan River National Wetland Park and has already recorded peak attendance of more than 5,800 visitors in a single day.
Commissioned by
Zannier Île De Bendor launches with design by Hardel Le Bihan Architectes
Sæl Spa readies for launch in London: “a modern British sanctuary”
Immersive art bathhouse Submersive announces debut location in Austin
Construction begins on regenerative wellness destination The Shenandoah Nature Resort
Royal Caribbean reveals record-breaking cruise ship
V&A East opens in London
David Geffen galleries open at LACMA
New venue The Lands by Capella includes a longevity centre to complement sister hotel Capella Sydney
World of Frozen launches at Disneyland Paris
Pical Resort by Valamar reveals first Croatian spa under the ESPA brand
Mandarin Oriental creates end-to-end Egyptian journey with two new hotels and first-ever luxury river cruise
Designers Mendil + Meyer launch new division called Lām Concepts for strategic wellness projects
Wilderness Bisate in Rwanda reveals brand’s second Sanctuary spa
4a Architekten shares details of wellness extension at Salinarium Bad Dürkheim Thermal Spa
Designed to restore neglected land and renew the identity of Iraq’s capital city, Baghdad Sustainable Forests promises a new way of living surrounded by nature. Gensler’s Ian Mulcahay tells us why he thinks the project could become a model for the repair and enhancement of urban centres
