Client: Presidio Trust
Category: Exhibits
Location: San Francisco, CA
Date: November 2015
Operation Babylift is an interpretive exhibit examining the 1975 U.S.-led evacuation of Vietnamese children at the end of the Vietnam War. The exhibit presents a complex historical narrative through a combination of archival imagery, text, and spatial storytelling, encouraging visitors to consider multiple perspectives surrounding the operation and its long-term impacts.
Gizmo Art Production collaborated with Designers at Volume Inc. to fabricate custom exhibit elements that support the exhibit’s layered content and immersive design approach. Fabrication focused on producing durable, high-quality components capable of supporting detailed graphics, integrated lighting, and precise alignment within the overall exhibition environment.
The scope of work included the fabrication of graphic panels, dimensional structures, and custom mounts, coordinated closely with the designer to maintain visual accuracy and material integrity. Special attention was given to finish selection, structural stability, and clean detailing to ensure consistency across exhibit elements and long-term performance in a public setting.
Through careful fabrication and coordination, Operation Babylift translates a sensitive and multifaceted historical subject into a cohesive physical experience, supporting Volume Inc.’s design intent while delivering a reliable, long-lasting exhibit environment.
Materials + Fabrication Methods
Fabricated exhibit components utilized a combination of aluminum, steel, plywood, and high-pressure laminate substrates selected for strength, stability, and longevity in a public exhibition environment. Graphic elements were produced using direct print and applied vinyl methods, sealed with protective coatings to support long-term durability and ease of maintenance.
Dimensional elements were CNC-routed and precision-assembled to ensure consistency across components and accurate alignment with designer specifications. Custom steel and aluminum mounts were fabricated to support both wall-mounted and freestanding elements, allowing for clean installation and secure attachment while minimizing visible hardware.
Finishes were selected in coordination with Volume Inc. to maintain visual cohesion throughout the exhibit and to support the legibility of archival content. Fabrication methods prioritized repeatability, clean detailing, and structural integrity to ensure the exhibit performs reliably over time.
