By Jaron Keener
The design philosophy for We Are Nature: Living in the Anthropocene was grounded in reuse and being mindful of our environmental impact. Working this way meant we didn’t rely on new, off-the-shelf materials. We had to be more imaginative and creative with what we used to build the exhibit.
One of the ways we reduced our energy footprint was by repurposing old furniture. We partnered with Construction Junction, a local retailer that promotes conservation through the reuse of building materials, to find furniture we could refurbish for the exhibit.
By refinishing and painting old pieces we were able to use them in a different way and give them a new life.
Jaron Keener is an Exhibition Designer and Production Manager at Carnegie Museum of Natural History. Museum employees are encouraged to blog about their unique experiences of working at the museum.
