Design Narrative
Design Narrative
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The power of storytelling as a tool; A great deal of what architects, artists, and designers make is considered to be made in a way that seems too perfect for this world and understood by only a small number of people with specialized knowledge or interest. It is not enough to tell clients, “what I made is better than what you have now.” A story to put you into the role of the end-user and communicate my design is featured below.
Museum Center Park in Milwaukee, Wisconsin becomes an energized destination point for residents and tourists looking for leisure and escape. There is a warmth and glow reminiscent of our childhoods here. The newest museum along the lake has finally opened and presents the community with an innovative appearance; challenging the status-quo, and establishing a sense of wonder.
Just inside the front doors you are met with the audible greeting of children's conversation and laughter and there is someone to greet you and buy a ticket from. The air quality and atmosphere feels open and refreshing. The first floor features a giant slide, a place to dine, administrative offices, about 2000 sq. ft of exhibit space, the gift shop, and restrooms.
There are 5 floors total, each relating to science, technology, engineering, art, or math; the main subjects used to develop courses for schools. There is an elevator and main stairwell wrapped in fireproof glass and used as a safe means of egress.
Looking up, one is poised in a spacious open atrium lit entirely by natural light with glimpses of the additional levels overhead. Throughout the entire facility, the mechanical systems are to be left safely exposed and labeled as one more learning tool.
Creative use of upcycled material to make safe, durable, complex, and non-toxic playscapes.
Creative use of upcycled material to make safe, durable, complex, and non-toxic playscapes.
The second, third, and fourth floors are left open to below so kids can always be a few steps away from looking down to the entrance and avoid the feeling of being lost. A flying car, clouds that glow along with the intermittent sound of thunder and rain, and 3 dimensional puzzles fill the first floor atrium space; serving as an example of different elements that can energize the space and inform kids of subject matter among exhibits.
Exiting the elevator on the second floor, one is greeted with a wealth of exhibit space. The interior colors of walls are the same on the inside as the outside increasing your sense of place inside of the building. Here a custom window detail is featured.
Colors are used to arrange exhibits and give theme. You have experienced the technology and engineering spaces on the second floor and have an option to slide down to the first floor, or continue adventuring up on the elevator or stairwell.
Just off the third floor elevator there is another slide that allows for a fun transition from floor to floor. This floor features three outdoor patio areas totaling 1700 sq. ft and is best suited to be the science floor for this reason.
The large pads act as different destination points of interest. The bridges between allow for one to transition to exhibits in a fun way. Large curtain walls on the east side of every floor frame the views of the lake and park.
The common theme of reduce, reuse, recycle, and maintaining the health of our lakefront is visible and permeates all learning content.
The common theme of reduce, reuse, recycle, and maintaining the health of our lakefront is visible and permeates all learning content.
This Lake Michigan Food Web Exhibit gives participants the illusion that they have been reduced in size significantly, so that they may experience the basics of Lake Michigan’s ecosystem in overwhelming scale. The sculpture is aided by description and scale bars. As you walk up the stairs, the organisms grow in trophic level. The end of the journey allows one to experience the anatomy of the Lake Sturgeon. It is exhibits like this that I, Dylan, have the ability to design and fabricate.
Exiting the fourth floor elevator allows one to see nearly all exhibits below; for at one time, to take in and process all that one has seen and experienced so far. This floor is home to the Maker Space, as well as other art and design exhibits.
Standing on the fourth floor destination pad, two of the third floor outdoor area doors can be seen, as well as the interesting window treatment among the entire west side of the building opposed to the curtain wall treatment along the entire east side.
The window pattern was inspired by the tide of Lake Michigan and the sand and pebbles it leaves behind as it rises and lowers. The groups of windows are representative of schools of fish and frame the views of the city through circular windows.
The skylights and window pattern allows for interesting beams of light to enter and fill the space and remains dynamic throughout the entire year as the sun's position changes. It also helps bring in light as well as keep the building cool in the heat of noon.
After or before experiencing the below floors, the fifth floor is home to a multi-level play area. Here one is able to act is if they are soaring over the lake and playing in the sky. The large hanging waves act as areas for different play obstacles to occur.
Reminiscent of Milwaukee's Flag, at the highest point of the museum, play is most important. Roof access is also open to the public. The lake and its size and influence on Milwaukee is made most noticeable here.
Reimagining Betty Brinn Children's Museum
Reimagining Betty Brinn Children's Museum
This 26,000 sq ft. piece of art can accommodate full schools with its maximum occupancy around 850 people. The building blends in with the sunrise and has become the new hot talk among residents and tourists and upholds the integrity of our lakefront which features Milwaukee's greatest contemporary architecture. People are coming from around the country to bring their kids to the best children's museum experience.
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