The project management of museums and exhibition spaceshas become more complex, particularly at the conceptual design stage. That is a consequence of the limited lifecycle of the projects, the use of ephemeral architecture, which means that there is limited time for design development, construction and assembly. In addition, the change in the meaning of museums spaces, with interaction between the collections, the built environment and the public, leads to a more dynamic and complex architectural and construction programming. This study outlines a reference model for the design process of exhibition spaces. This reference model establishes design stages and their deliverables, and emphasizesintegrated design concepts. The model establishes a coordinating body, formed by three agents defined according to the nature of the project. By using an action research method, the model was implemented and testedin a university museum project. The implementation results are discussed, pointing out that collaboration mechanisms and communication protocols during the design process, as wellas the adoption of integrated design principles are essential for a successful implementation of the design model.
Museums and exhibitions projects; Design management; Integrated design
