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I agree with Eric that it is usually not a good idea to put the exhibit
design under the architects for not only economic reasons but also as they
are different skill sets and have different perspectives. The same is true
for putting media and technology under fabrication. Any apparent perceived
efficiencies gained doesn't equate to a better product.

I cannot tell you how many times that design choices by architects for
stylistic or other reasons severely narrows choices for the exhibition
design and impact programming. Like circular concrete staircases smack in
the middle of an exhibit floor.

With traditional science centers "interactive media" may last 10 years or
less, but I would submit that any science center being built today should
integrate exhibit design and media disciplines earlier in the design
process as part of the DNA of the building.
This will provide the infrastructure, networks, and flexible spaces not
just for hands on learning but for a 21st century center which is different.

If the exhibition design, technology and AV infrastructure is integrated at
the end of architectural programming and during concept design, there an
also opportunity for strategic partnerships and new funding sources.


On Sat, Jan 11, 2014 at 12:03 AM, Eric Siegel <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
> Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related
> institutions.
>
> *****************************************************************************
>
> interactive exhibits last 10 years at the most.  Buildings last many
> decades, one hopes.  From my point of view trying to design the building to
> the exhibits or in coordination with exhibits is pretty risky if you are
> building interactive science center exhibitions.  In our most recent
> expansion projects we tried to make sure the building provided a robust
> infrastructure and didn't dictate the types of exhibitions that might be
> feasible in the future.  A mix of naturally lit and artificially lit
> spaces, more intimate and more open spaces, lots of ways of running and
> organizing wiring and lighting, good circulation, etc   We fed the building
> design to the exhibition designers and they built to take advantage of the
> infrastructure and aesthetics the building provided.  As the time comes to
> change out exhibitions, one decade later, we are that the architecture and
> the exhibitions can be so readily decoupled.
>
> There are some building programs I have seen, very ambitious ones, where
> the architecture and exhibits are really integrated.  The most ambitious
> one I am familiar with is the new Natural History Museum in Salt Lake City,
> Ennead (nee polshek) and Applebaum really worked hand in glove on that.  I
> haven't seen it in person yet (I am going out there later in January), but
> I have done a bunch of panel presentations with those folks and they have a
> very compelling rationale and a beautiful looking project.
>
> So there are obviously different approaches.  If you have specialized
> permanent installations like Cal Academy or the new Miami Science Center,
> both of which have aquaria, then of course exhibitry and building design
> must be closely integrated.
>
> To the OP's original question: I *definitely* would not have the
> exhibition designer as a sub to the architect.  They are really different
> skill sets and I really would want them both as responsive to the client's
> interests and needs as possible.  If the concern is that you don't have
> staff who can manage both contracts separately, you can be sure the
> architect is adding expense to manage the exhibition design process, so you
> should be able to do it as cost effectively in house.
>
> eric siegel
>
>
> >
>
>
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