BRICK BY BRICK
MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY
"Play is the gateway to greatness..." so goes the credo of this blockbuster exhibit, which focuses on the process of experimentation, creativity and innovation. 12 epic LEGO structures provide the "attract" for the experience, than guests are surprised and challenged by a bevy of interactives focusing on structural concepts, scale and durability in the face of the elements.
The Seismic Shaker interactive is a 1-minute race to build a resilient structure that withstands a mini-earthquake. Some guests spent over 30 minutes at this one unit!
Kids get structural concepts through physical learning. This unit compares the modulus of elasticity between a flat metal plate and an I-beam. Be an Ironworker. Don't look down!
As part of his Creative Lead role on this project, John Llewellyn dove deep into LEGO lore and construction techniques to develop the content, media pieces and interactives including "Think Inside AND Outside the Box."
Wow, a 61-foot Golden Gate bridge, built by LEGO certified builder, Adam Reed Tucker. 100-percent LEGO bricks, no glue! Photos (c) Museum of Science and Industry/JB Spector.
PROCESS
All of the content sections, structures and interactives were group-brainstormed in an EXPO-marker-fueled bout of decision making at the whiteboard. It didn't look pretty, but this got us off to a great start.
Quick, initial sketches helped the team make fast decisions on a short timeline. We made, modified and trashed these fast, to make way for more detailed improvements. By rapidly protoyping and fearlessly iterating our ideas, we got to the optimal design within a compressed schedule.
Big Atmosphere always works closely with our fabrication, programming and media partners to battle-test each experiential element before prime time.
