PROJECT DESCRIPTION

This project is submitted by the client, the National Air and Space Museum, who design managed the project with contractors as a part of a large building renovation project. Exploring the Planets is a 5504 sq ft exhibition showing visitors that our solar system is filled with amazingly diverse places that transform our understanding of Earth and worlds beyond. History, science, art—and the collections that support them—are integrated in the exhibition to help people understand the historic significance of instrument and spacecraft artifacts. In departure from traditional exhibits about the planets, the experiential objective for Exploring the Planets is to move the visitor “from the outside in” to appreciate our recent understanding of the solar system by entering from interstellar space. Graphics and text depict people who had been previously unrepresented, which has now become a guiding principle for all the Museum's storytelling. One of the Museum’s main objectives is to use universal design principles for maximum audience inclusion. Videos use open captions and computer interactives have enhanced standards: custom scripts giving context and description are available via accessible keypads. Exhibit materials are upgraded for safety, sustainability, and maintenance.

PROJECT INFORMATION

Entry Type: Single Entry

Channel: Immersive

Primary Role of the Designer: Designer as craftsman

Client Relationship: A retainer relationship

Intention of the Project: Re-launch, redesign, or update of an existing product, service or program

Development Budget: More than $50,000

Production/Execution Budget: More than $100,000

Source of Funding: Client

Typefaces:

Paper:

Materials:

CREDIT INFORMATION

Creative Director: National Air and Space Museum staff

Art Director: Brian McGarry

Designers: Haley Sharpe Design

Researchers: Jim Zimbelman; Pris Strain; Bob Craddock; Matt Shindell

Developers:

Copywriter: Judy Tasse

Illustrator:

Photographer:

Printer:

Producer:

Other Credits: Ashlee Prevette-Project Manager; Liz Wissner – Project Manager; Sarah Banks-Exhibits Media Manager; Steve Williams-Educator; Shauna Edson-Educator; Kelsey Williams-Collections representative; Kelly Bloom-Advancement; Amanda Davis-Exhibits Media Coordinator; Maddy del Cano-Exhibits Media Assistant; Cortina-media producer; Immersive-media producer; NGX-media producer; Abernathy Lighting Design-lighting design; Luxam-case lighting design; IHCD (Institute for Human Centered Design)-accessibility consultant; PPI Consulting-AV Integrator; Dave Cremer-Exhibits Production lead; Adam Bradshaw-Exhibits Specialist; Glenn Rankin- Exhibits Specialist; Peter Stern- Exhibits Specialist; Ray Haislip-Exhibits Specialist; Dagim Tesema-Exhibits Specialist; Stephen Pelszynski-Exhibits Specialist; Chris Crandall-Exhibits Specialist; Wes Houchens-Exhibits Specialist; Tad Thomas-Exhibits Specialist; Luke Minter-mount maker; Luis Santana-mount maker; Tenzin Phuntsok-Exhibits Specialist; Gillian Jackson-Exhibits Specialist; Alex Van Ness-Exhibit Technology lead; Zabih Sadighian-Exhibit Technology Specialist; Larry Berger-Exhibit Technology Specialist; Bill Haas-Exhibits Specialist; Hüttinger Interactive Exhibits-mechanical interactive producer; Meyvaert-case manufacturer; Goppion-case manufacturer; Atta-model maker; MC Dean-electrical; Taylor Studios-model makers; D&P (Design&Production)-contractors

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