Museum of Science
Phase I Blue Wing Master Plan and Implementation
Project
Phase I Blue Wing Master Plan and Implementation
Client
Museum of Science
Location
Boston, MA
Completion
Ongoing
Category
Civic Realm, Renovations + Additions
In 2018, the Museum of Science (MoS) engaged WRA to develop a Master Plan for the Blue Wing, the Museum’s largest exhibition space. With over forty years of strong service, the Blue Wing is now in need of significant renovation so that it can continue playing a vital role within the MoS campus. In Phase 1 of the Blue Wing Master Plan, WRA, together with the Museum of Science and Moment Factory, developed the first two exhibits of the Master Plan. These immersive and hands-on exhibits were designed with a structural technology grid and improved acoustics to allow for future flexibility in the 10,000 GSF exhibit space.
DESIGN PROCESS
The WRA team sits in on "Duck 'n' Hover" in 2018 as a part of the immersion process in early design
The design team meets for a listening session with key operations groups
Principal Cliff Gayley leads a steering committee meeting with a physical model
Associate Principal Sindu Meier explains an idea to the clients by using a study model
The clients come to WRA for a lunchtime presentation and VR session
A mother and daughter look into a 3D model brought to the museum to explain the future renovation on Pi Day
At an open studio session during the Museum's Pi Day, Sindu Meier shows a visitor a virtual reality rendering of the main hall
Project Manager Sindu Meier immerses herself in the Museum of Science experience by participating in asleep over event with family
‘Arctic Adventure, Exploring with Technology’ is an interactive experience with digitally immersive sights and sounds, including a touchable ice wall. Throughout the exhibit, visitors will act as explorers to track animals, analyze ice fields with ground penetrating radar and track climate history through ice cores.
‘Engineering Design Workshop’ has been reimagined and expanded to feature hands-on, interactive engineering and computer science stations for visitors of all ages. The Workshop showcases the engineering design process for young learners to explore creative ways to solve problems and test solutions.
Awards + Recognition
2021 IES Montreal Interior Lighting Design Illumination Merit Award
Project Consultants
Structural Engineer | LeMessurier Consultants, Inc.
Mechanical / Electrical Engineer | Vanderweil Engineers
Lighting Consultant | Lam Partners, Inc.
Acoustical Engineer | Threshold Acoustics LLC
AV Consultant | Threshold Acoustics LLC
Photographer | Sindu Meier