Challenge

Driven by a desire to improve the external space and threshold into the attraction, Glasgow Science Centre approached Timberplay with an aspiration to add educational play experiences to its offering for younger visitors.

Solution

Following attendance at Timberplay Scotland seminars and a visit to its manufacturer, Richter Spielgerate, in Germany, Glasgow Science Centre decided to partner with Timberplay to provide a number of interesting sensory play exhibits for an outdoor space. The elements, which include; Turning Stone, Stone Xylophone, Dance Chimes, Conferences, Walk-in Kaleidoscope, Sensory Rotating Discs, Kling Klang Disc, Whirlpool Column and Sound Leaves, have been carefully selected to provide visitors and passers-by with a wide range of sensory encounters and create playful opportunities around the centre.

By interacting with the equipment, visitors can playfully create music, experience visual phenomena and explore the physics of water and rotation. Carefully considered interpretation for each exhibit helps visitors to delve deeper into their understanding of the pieces if they wish and are not only fun for the young ones but people of all ages.

The scale of the Sound Leaves and Turning Stone has also meant that these elements act as sculptural gateway features to the new public realm.

Outcome

The new space was immediately popular, and the use of lighting ensures that the space is utilised throughout the day and into the evening. As well as visitors to the Science Centre, people walking and cycling through the space are frequently observed stopping and taking a moment to engage with the exhibits and each other.

A credit to the wider landscape design, this unique space has playfulness at its heart and delivers on a variety of levels.

Photo credit: Paul Upward