Space museum exhibit
Interactive Exhibit Design Class: 8.30.11 - 9.6.11
DESIGN PROBLEM
Kansas City is in need of a children’s space museum.
The space for this museum has already been assigned and is approximately 60’ by 40’ with an entrance
and an exit on opposing sides of the space. The museum wishes to introduce children to our universe, solar system,
planet, and moon through separate exhibit spaces for each. Ideally each area has interactive tables and displays,
alongside artifact displays and wall informational graphics. Storage areas need to be present in the space for flexibility
and possible party events. The clients also prefer if the windows in the space remain clear and
continue to supply the interior space with natural light.
USER PROFILE
This space is aimed at children between the ages of 2 and 10. Display cases, exhibits, and interactive elements
shouldn't have small pieces or anything breakable that children could swallow or injure themselves with if left unattended.
Ideally school field trips could take place here as part of a science education. Having different interactive spaces that
the trip could highlight is important. The client wants the designer to keep in mind that only 2-3 teachers may be able to attend
these field trips and therefore the designed space should lend itself to “keeping an eye” on the children easily.
DESIGN SOLUTION
The initial design attempts to fulfill all of the client’s suggestions and requirements through a playful and interactive children’s space.
The movement in the space is almost tree-like in the sense that it has a main trunk and branches/leaves forming off of that.
The interactive work benches are set up for easy observation and most can be viewed in groups (in case of a field trip).
The four main sections of the museum lead children through the beginnings of discovery and up to the ultimate accomplishment
of landing on the moon. All display walls will be covered with informational mural-like graphics that become more descriptive and
“intelligent” as they get higher on the wall. This is so older children and younger children get separate information according to their
abilities (height dependent, so as they grow in height they grow in ability). All brown spaces on the map are storage areas, at the
client’s request. The planet earth section has the flexibility to become an event space in the case of a birthday party or school function.
DESIGN PROBLEM
Kansas City is in need of a children’s space museum.
The space for this museum has already been assigned and is approximately 60’ by 40’ with an entrance
and an exit on opposing sides of the space. The museum wishes to introduce children to our universe, solar system,
planet, and moon through separate exhibit spaces for each. Ideally each area has interactive tables and displays,
alongside artifact displays and wall informational graphics. Storage areas need to be present in the space for flexibility
and possible party events. The clients also prefer if the windows in the space remain clear and
continue to supply the interior space with natural light.
USER PROFILE
This space is aimed at children between the ages of 2 and 10. Display cases, exhibits, and interactive elements
shouldn't have small pieces or anything breakable that children could swallow or injure themselves with if left unattended.
Ideally school field trips could take place here as part of a science education. Having different interactive spaces that
the trip could highlight is important. The client wants the designer to keep in mind that only 2-3 teachers may be able to attend
these field trips and therefore the designed space should lend itself to “keeping an eye” on the children easily.
DESIGN SOLUTION
The initial design attempts to fulfill all of the client’s suggestions and requirements through a playful and interactive children’s space.
The movement in the space is almost tree-like in the sense that it has a main trunk and branches/leaves forming off of that.
The interactive work benches are set up for easy observation and most can be viewed in groups (in case of a field trip).
The four main sections of the museum lead children through the beginnings of discovery and up to the ultimate accomplishment
of landing on the moon. All display walls will be covered with informational mural-like graphics that become more descriptive and
“intelligent” as they get higher on the wall. This is so older children and younger children get separate information according to their
abilities (height dependent, so as they grow in height they grow in ability). All brown spaces on the map are storage areas, at the
client’s request. The planet earth section has the flexibility to become an event space in the case of a birthday party or school function.
