This is an extended version of an article that appeared in the January/February 2014 issue of ASTC’s Dimensions magazine

ON PRODUCING EXHIBITS IN A DEVELOPING COUNTRY

There is a widespread movement in many developing countries in the last decade to promote scientific knowledge among the general public through science centers and museums. Interactive exhibits require special characteristics in developing countries. Because resources are very limited, exhibits should be produced at the lowest costs, with maximum durability to avoid high rates of exhibits depreciation. Strict safety precautions must be applied, as children in developing countries are not used to science centers and may use exhibits in unexpected ways.

The Planetarium Science Center, Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Alexandria, Egypt, represents an example of a science center that has a good level of exhibit design and fabrication skills and has overcome tight financial resources. Over the past 10 years, our main concern has been to build a qualified team in the field of design and fabrication of interactive exhibits. This team is aware of community concerns, interests, formal science curricula, and the needed pedagogical approach to maximize the visitors’ benefit from the exhibits and accompanying activities. To acquire hands-on exhibit design and fabrication production skills and experience, several training sessions were held in collaboration with international professional corporations.

Doing the design and fabrication processes in house using local materials may be 10% of the cost of buying the end product directly. Also, we seek partners to co-design and fabricate exhibitions rather than renting high-cost exhibitions. Our exhibition quality is getting closer to international standards through experience and avoiding repeating errors.

Reem Sabry, head of the Design and Fabrication Section, Planetarium Science Center, Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Alexandria, Egypt

This is an extended version of an article that appeared in the January/February 2014 issue of ASTC’s Dimensions magazine

ON PLANNING TRAVELING EXHIBITIONS

When designing an exhibition, it’s wise to take into consideration from day one whether or not it will be traveling, particularly internationally. Making sure an exhibition can be installed and dismantled easily, allowing flexibility for low doors and ceilings, keeping the number of trucks or shipping containers low, knowing the type of electricity technological components will require, and being mindful of the manpower and maintenance the exhibition needs are all paramount to its long-term success on the road. Additionally, once an exhibition is on the road, working with global partners to create strategic tour routes in particular regions can benefit everyone by saving money as well as wear and tear. An exhibition designed with these things in mind from the beginning stands a far better chance of being enjoyed all around the globe for many years!

Tom Zaller, president and CEO, Imagine Exhibitions, Inc., Atlanta, Georgia

This is an extended version of an article that appeared in the January/February 2014 issue of ASTC’s Dimensions magazine

ON DESIGNING INTERACTIVE EXHIBITS FOR YOUNG CHILDREN

When you design an exhibit for young children, you should not limit yourself to just downsizing all the components and adding a wild palette of colors. You have to start thinking like a child. It may not be possible to go back in time, but this simple set of rules will help you develop your ideas:

• Rule #1: “The floor is everywhere my foot can reach.”
  • An adult mind has a mental barrier that prevents one from walking on a surface located higher than a foot and a half (half a meter) above the ground. Adults will see this surface as either a seat or a decoration. Toddlers, however, do not possess this kind of constraint. Use as much durable and anti-skidding materials as possible, and watch the height.
• Rule #2: It is never too low.
  • For adults, everything has to be within reach, and bending and crouching is tiring for us. It is totally the opposite with kids. For them, standing on tiptoes, lying on the floor, or reaching for something inaccessible is simply a lot of fun. Sometimes designers need to leave the rules behind to make an exhibit more enjoyable for children.
• Rule #3: Kids are omnidirectional.
  • An adult focuses on a single experience, while a child participates in the entire environment with all senses. While playing in one place, the child constantly listens to sounds coming from all around and can analyze multiple strands of information. This gives us the opportunity to create complex spaces.

Karolina Perrin, designer, Karek Design, Krakow, Poland