Area
  • Exhibition Design
  • Visual Identity
Year
2026
Topic
  • Archaeological exhibition design
  • Group work
School
  • Universitat Politècnica de València
  • Spain

Barro y Latido, the pulse of the Iberian past.

Co-designed with Camilla Fontana, this exhibition project was developed for the Museum of Prehistory of Valencia. “Barro y Latido” translates the essence of the Iberian culture into a physical space. The name reflects the raw earth used by ancient communities to mold their reality (“Barro”) and the divine life pulsing within their terracotta figures (“Latido”).

Raw earth

Intimate rites

#BarroYLatido

Spatial experience

The core of the exhibition is a linear, immersive journey designed to act as a temporal threshold between the present and the archaeological past. The layout begins with a distinctive, enveloping spiral structure that naturally draws visitors in, guiding them through six thematic stages—from artisanal crafting techniques to the spiritual rituals inside a dimly lit, reconstructed prehistoric house. This spatial organization optimizes visitor flow and balances the scientific rigor of archaeological research with a highly sensory and engaging approach.

Visual & Graphic identity

The visual identity relies on a highly conceptual and material foundation, driven by three keywords: intimate, material, and organic. Earthy tones, deep browns, and desaturated ochres evoke the texture of dry clay. The typography contrasts the textured, impactful Rubik Dirt font with the geometric clarity of Montserrat. This cohesive aesthetic extends beyond the museum walls through trilingual brochures, vertical banners on the building’s facade, and impactful urban signage across the streets of Valencia.

Exhibition supports

Ergonomics, preservation, and inclusivity are at the heart of the custom exhibition displays. The original terracotta pieces are securely housed in cylindrical glass vitrines resting on beige pedestals, designed in two different heights to offer optimal viewing angles. Alongside the glass displays, the exhibition features an interactive zone with 3D-printed replicas specifically designed to be touched. Placed at varying heights, these tactile replicas make the exhibition truly accessible for everyone—including children, wheelchair users, and the visually impaired—allowing them to physically explore and reassemble the fragments of history.

Exhibition atmosphere

The carefully curated lighting and spatial design culminate in a captivating final atmosphere. A long corridor of illuminated cylindrical vitrines allows visitors to observe the artifacts from any angle. The journey reaches its emotional peak inside the reconstructed Iberian hut, where dim, intimate lighting invites visitors to truly experience the ancient rituals and connect with the spiritual heartbeat of the past.