This article features critiques of the Darwin Centre, a state-of-the-art science and collection facility at the Natural History Museum in London. Stephen Pizzey, Director (and Founder) of Science Projects in London, Ian Simmons, Science Communication Director at the Centre for LIfe in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK, and Harry White, Science Centre Consultant at Techniquest in Cardiff, Wales, UK, share their analysis of the exhibition and assess its strengths and weaknesses.
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TEAM MEMBERS:
Stephen PizzeyIan SimmonsHarry White
In this article, Brenda Baker, Director of Exhibits at Madison Children's Museum and Founder and Director of greenexhibits.org, examines the practices, success stories, observations, and challenges faced by children's museums trying to "green" their exhibition programs. Baker offers idea about rethinking how the field builds and designs exhibitions based on green standards.
This article features critiques of the Tusher African Center at the California Academy of Sciences. Marjorie Schwarzer, Chair and Professor of the Department of Museum Studies at John F. Kennedy University, Margaret Kadoyama, Principal of Margaret Kadoyama Consulting and Adjunct Faculty in the Department of Museum Studies at John F. Kennedy University, and Sheila Pressley, Director of Education at the Fine Arts Museum of San Francisco, share their analysis of the exhibition and assess its strengths and weaknesses.
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TEAM MEMBERS:
Marjorie SchwarzerMargaret KadoyamaSheila Pressley
In this article, Paul Orselli, Chief Instigator of Paul Orselli Workshop, provides specific suggestions and examples of ways to become "greener" exhibit developers or fabricators. Orselli sorts his recommendations about sustainable materials and techniques into the 5 Rs: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Rethink, and Resources.
In this article, Marjorie Schwarzer, Professor of Museum Studies at John F. Kennedy University in Berkeley, California, describes eleven of the most influential exhibitions from the 20th century, according to NAME members surveyed for her book "Riches, Rivals and Radicals: 100 Years of Museums in America."
In this article, Jessica Willcox, Creative Director at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, describes the development of the OMSI's "Green Exhibit Certification" guide--a tool to help developers rate the environmental sustainability of exhibitions and encourage exhibition development teams to improve their sustainability efforts. Excerpts from the tool are included in this article.
In this article, Charlie Trautmann, Executive Director of Sciencenter, and Maureen McConnell, Education Manager at Ecotarium and Exhibit Developer for Jan Crocker LLC, argue that museums who seek to change visitors perceptions and behavior through exhibitions on sustainability, they need to address four issues: the focus of the exhibition, the museum context, and post-visit engagement through programming. The authors include a checklist to help museum professionals plan exhibitions on sustainability.
In this article, Sonal Bhatt, Assistant Director of Interpretation at the Wildlife Conservation Society (headquartered at the Bronx Zoo), describes the Zoo's Eco-restroom project, a multi-part experience that embodies their mission of conservation. Bhatt highlights the key features of Eco-restroom area, evaluation results, and lessons learned.
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TEAM MEMBERS:
Sonal BhattNational Association for Museum Exhibition
This one-pager provides the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System standards established by the U.S. Green Building Council. This sheet defines LEED, explains who uses LEED, and provides information about the rating system, project certification, and professional accreditation.
In this article, Sean Duran, Director of Exhibits at the Miami Museum of Science, examines how the institution serves a multicultural audience and helps bridge cultural boundaries. As an example, Duran discusses how the "Amazon Voyage: Vicious Fishes and Other Riches" exhibit will serve this international audience.
In this article, Peter Kuttner FAIA, President of Cambridge Seven Associates, Architects and Exhibit Designers and Director of the American Institute of Architects, argues that museums have a unique responsibility to pursue sustainable design. Kuttner outlines the historical evolution of sustainable exhibit design, the LEED rating system, and the role museums should play in the "green movement" with the California Academy of Science as an outstanding exemplar.
This article features three critiques of the exhibition "MN150" at the Minnesota History Center, part of the celebration of the Sesquicentennial of the State of Minnesota. Roger Barrett, Exhibit Designer at the Science Museum of Minnesota, Liza Pryor, Project Leader in the Exhibits Department at the Science Museum of Minnesota, and Jeanne Vergeront, Principal of Vergeront Museum Planning, each provide an assessment of the exhibition.
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TEAM MEMBERS:
Roger BarrettLiza PryerJeanne W. Vergeront