MEMBER NEWS: ABERDEEN SCIENCE CENTRE SEEKS CHILDREN’S INPUT

July 22, 2024
MEMBER NEWS: ABERDEEN SCIENCE CENTRE SEEKS CHILDREN’S INPUT

Young visitors to be asked to help redesign centre’s garden on Wednesday

Aberdeen Science Centre is inviting its younger visitors to have their say in the redesign of the visitor attraction’s outdoor space.

The award-winning venue will be holding two sessions on Wednesday, July 24 to allow children to give their opinions on the planned redevelopment of its garden area.

Aberdeen Science Centre has partnered with Robert Gordon University (RGU) to redesign the outdoor space and has already held a facilitated event – known as a charette – with the Aberdeen Society of Architects and students.

The sessions, which will allow children who are visiting the centre that day to come up with their own innovative suggestions for the garden, will be run by Whitney Bevan, a construction lecturer at RGU.

The aim of the project is for the centre’s outdoor space to become a sustainable, interactive community garden.

Bryan Snelling, chief executive officer of Aberdeen Science Centre, said: “We are really excited to get input from our younger visitors, as they are the primary focus of Aberdeen Science Centre. While they are having fun at the centre, it will be great to hear their thoughts and understand what they would like the garden space to add to their Aberdeen Science Centre experience.

“We’re hoping that the weather will be kind to us as ideally we would like to host the sessions in the garden space so the children can really get a feel for the space and be inspired by it.”

Bryan added: “The proposals which resulted from the charrette are exciting. It’s interesting to see through other peoples’ eyes and envisage what the outdoor space could become.”

RGU’s Professor Peter Exley, Dean of the Scott Sutherland School of Architecture & Built Environment and co-founder of the Chicago-based Architecture is Fun practice, is leading the project.

He ran the initial charrette which was held in June and involved representatives from Aberdeen Science Centre, students and academic staff from The Scott Sutherland School of Architecture and Built Environment and members of the Aberdeen Society of Architects.

Professor Exley said: “These sessions create an opportunity for the local community to view the plans and have their say as we work together to help shape the transformation of this outdoor space.  We want to create somewhere that offers visitors a meaningful experience that encourages both learning and play.

“It will be fascinating to hear the ideas, views and visions for the space from those who use this major attraction and want to ensure they have a sense of ownership as we embark on this exciting journey with the Science Centre. The Scott Sutherland School of Architecture and Built Environment has a strong social ethos, and combines innovative thinking with new technologies, to facilitate the design of sustainable and imaginative public spaces.”

It is hoped the design ideas will go on display at the centre for visitors to share their views.

The sessions will be held at 11am and 1pm for visitors to the centre on Wednesday, July 24. To book a visit to the centre, visit https://aberdeensciencecentre.org/

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