As with most museums, exhibits are in constant flux, being updated or completely changed to provide a continually interesting environment for returning patrons. The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis was seeking to reuse & reconfigure an existing exhibit located within the fourth floor Science Wing. The ‘Health House’ Exhibit was conceived to teach children & adults lifestyle concepts & proper habits that will promote healthy living.

 

Originally constructed in 1995, this portion of the Science Wing required remodeling to keep it relevant to contemporary standards. The two-story “house” previously illustrated residential building construction techniques as well as live animal displays featuring common backyard critters on the first floor. The second level contained a staff office & animal care lab.

 

Jacobs Pannicke Architects, Inc. (JPA) along with our consultants Lawson Elser, Inc & Loftus Engineering, Inc. were hired to alter an existing space into the new exhibit. The team worked with the Museum to develop phased documents, the first of which included demolition of MEP systems, restructuring of the existing space to include a raised ceiling & removal of existing exhibit elements.

 

The second phase included the installation of new MEP systems & completion of the white box space. The third & final phase entailed the installation of the exhibit elements. The JPA project team worked closely with Museum’s in-house design & exhibit development staff to reconfigure the space for optimum reuse.

 

Square Feet:  800

Construction Completion: Spring 2007

Construction Cost:  $ 520,000