. – Page 2 – W19 Design

DNA Builder

First built as part of Glasgow Science Centres exciting new Body Works exhibition. A giant Sculpture of the iconic DNA helix sits in the middle of the table with interactive stations around the outside. Visitors can build their own short sequence of DNA which will naturally form the classic double helix shape as they build. We have since made several more of these for various science centres around the world including the world’s largest museum.

Jim Al-Khalili uses the DNA builder model in The Secrets of Quantum Physics

The DNA Builder model found its way onto BBC4 in Jim Al-Khalili’s series “The Secrets of Quantum Physics“

The DNA Builder model found its way onto BBC4 in Jim Al-Khalili's series "The Secrets of Quantum Physics"

Microbiology at the Chelsea Flower Show

. Temporary Exhibitions

An exhibition stand at the Chelsea Flower Show all about the action of microbes in the soil and their positive benefits to gardeners and food producers. Planting is at head height so that visitors feel they are in the soil where all the action happens. Microscopes and root samples let visitors get hands on with the microbiology. Animations on interactive screens show the complex processes in an understandable and interesting way.

The Royal Horticultural Society awarded the stand a silver gilt medal.

Tralee Bay Wetlands Centre

. Visitor Centres and Museums

A purpose built visitor centre in Tralee, Co. Kerry. Designed to be hub for tourists to introduce them to the wildlife delights of the region, this visitor centre opened in May 2012. There is an interactive bird hide to allow you get a great view of the local wildlife… even out of season. Touchscreen computer consoles are filled with fascinating information and offer a range of languages to the international visitors. There is an immersive film and lots of hands-om interaction. The whole space is filled with vibrant graphics and shapes to really bring the local wildlife to life. Recycled and sustainably sourced materials where used throughout the exhibition

Working for WWT Consulting, who developed the site from the concept plan through to installation, we designed and built a wide range of interactive exhibits, graphics and setwork.

Science Oxford Refresh

. Science Centres

When Science Oxford decided that some of their exhibits weren’t working as well as they liked I was called in to refresh the exhibition. Some exhibits had never really worked as well as they could and others just needed tweaking and tidying and there was even a little bit of budget left for something new.

Animate it

. Science Centres

Developed in association with Aardman Animations. Visitors can create stop frame animations in 2D and 3D then edit, upload and share them. The space has been designed to feel like an animator’s studio and is filled with animation artefacts including many from Aardman. Control the lighting on a real Wallace and Gromit film set or have your picture taken with Shaun the Sheep. Unleash your creative side; draw your own characters then animate them. I was part of the team that created this set of interactives while working for At-Bristol as design manager then used mostly in-house production to create this vibrant and exciting experience.

Live Lab

. Science Centres

Live Lab was an ambitious plan to put real a lab right in the heart of the exhibition space in At-Bristol. Visitors can do real experiments and lab work such as dissections and extracting DNA. Safe storage is provided for chemicals, scalpels and other equipment. Fridges, sinks, hot water, and IT equipment are all available to the presenter. Large doors can be closed to secure the space when not in use or opened up to form a semi enclosed space. The doors are fitted with audio and large video screens which can be connected to a microscope or hand held camera. I designed this educational space while working for At-Bristol as design manager then produced detailed engineering drawings and CNC files.

Flight Gallery

. Science Centres

The Flight Gallery is located in At Bristol’s showcase North Gallery. The exhibition utilises the very high ceiling and full height glass wall to create an immersive, fun, engaging space. Visitors can examine a real Airbus landing gear using augmented reality or create their own flying objects and launch them to the roof. Hands on interaction can be found throughout the gallery. I designed this space while working for At-Bristol as design manager working closely with a team of graduate engineers and the in-house production team.

Inside DNA

. Science Centres, Temporary Exhibitions

Inside DNA is a touring exhibition all about DNA and the Human Genome Project. It has spent the last four years travelling around science centres and exhibitions across the UK. Find out more about DNA and about yourself, how much DNA do you have? how many people are just like you? Touch-screen computers blend with sculptural pieces and hands-on interactives to produce a colourful and inviting space packed full of information and interaction. I designed this set of interactives while working for At-Bristol as design manager then used a mix of in-house and external production to create this robust and engaging experience.

Investigate… Portable Science

. Portable, Science Centres

Not everyone can visit a science centre so Investigate… Portable Science was created to take the science centre experience on the road. Exhibit sets can be formed from a pool of 24 different interactive exhibits themed around forces, energy and structures. Each set packs easily into a family car and and can be set up and running in minutes. Launch a ball using the power of hydrogen or look at the stresses in everyday objects; Examine the tiniest objects to the most massive; Work out how much energy you need to get through your day. Designed to be robust and portable yet still easy to use and engaging. I designed this set of interactives while working for At-Bristol. The creation of detailed engineering drawings and CAD models coupled with CNC manufacture allows for simple reproduction of each design. Dozens of copies have now been produced and can be found in science centres and schools around the world

Musiquest – Interactive music exhibition

. Science Centres

Built by Techniquest’s in-house production team on which I was lead designer for the majority of the project. Designed to be visually stunning with high quality acoustics to match. Find out about sounds and music in this interactive exhibition. Listen to music from all around the world or make your own. See the harmonic patterns that music can make or watch the oscillations of a drum frozen in time.