News 12.06.2012

Thinktank Science Garden designed by Gillespies opens in Birmingham

The new Thinktank Science Garden has just opened in Birmingham. It offers visitors of all ages the chance to get 'bodies on' with science and is the first permanent interactive outdoor exploration space of its type and scale in the UK. The Thinktank Science Garden allows visitors to explore themes of energy, mechanics and transportation through three fun zones and 42 exhibits.

Gillespies was appointed to act as the Lead Consultant, Landscape Architect and Contract Administrator for the design and implementation of the Science Garden at Thinktank. Gillespies led and coordinated a multi-disciplinary team including the specialist Exhibit design company Outside Studios. As well as the core design team, the project included input from a wide variety of sources, including education experts, science engagement specialists and local school children.

Jim Diggle, Partner at Gillespies who led the design team says: "Since opening only days ago the Science Garden has been well received with visitors enjoying the new outdoor attraction.  Our aim was to assist the Trust create an inclusive attraction that established the educational themes for the Science Garden zones, defining their character and providing a playful setting for children and adults to explore and interact with the exhibits. Key to this was ensuring the landscape complemented the exhibits, but we were also conscious of the importance of the Science Garden fitting into a unique and prominent setting in front of the Millennium Point building and within the emerging Eastside City Park."

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Thinktank Science Garden