‘The Road to Zero learning centre at Melbourne Museum is the first of its kind in Australia – an interactive exhibition and learning studio designed to engage pre-driving teenagers (Years 9–10) with critical road safety concepts. Developed by the Transport Accident Commission Victoria in partnership with Museums Victoria, E2 led the experiential design, collaborating with base building architects Denton Corker Marshall, and digital experience specialists to deliver a sophisticated, immersive environment that speaks directly to its young audience while also engaging the general public.

The challenge was to create a compelling experience that balanced the needs of two very different stakeholders – a road safety organisation and a cultural institution – while ensuring the design remained visitor-focused and future-ready. With a 10-year lifespan, the centre was designed with durability, flexibility, and adaptability at its core, allowing exhibits and finishes to evolve as new technologies and campaigns emerge.

Drawing inspiration from both human physiology and engineering systems, the design combines cool, exploratory tones in the exhibition spaces with warm, collaborative finishes in the learning studio. Integrated artworks, illustrations, and carefully crafted spatial sequences support the visitor journey, encouraging personal reflection on vulnerability, behaviour, and responsibility. The result is a mature, engaging environment that treats its teenage audience seriously and positions road safety as a deeply human issue, central to all our lives.