1985. Master of Industrial Design Thesi
EXHIBIT
DESIGN
SYSTEM
FOR CHILDREN'S
MUSEUMS
by
Jorge
@
Rodriguez
MartinezZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Jorge Rodriguez Martinez
All rights reserved.
A thesis
submitted in partial fulfillment
of the requirements
for
the degree of Master of Industrial Design
School of Art and Design
Pratt Institute
February
1985
E X H IB IT
D E S IG N
S Y S T E lY l
FOR
C H IL D R E N '
S
H U S E U M S baZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJI
by
Jorge
Received
Rodriguez
Martinez
and approved
M a j~ N ;0 r
February
-
·/1-í/¿-S-
M.
Date ,/
/
Parriot /~----~---------
Joseph
Date
Dean - Vieri
R. Salvadori
1985ZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIH
-----------------
U N IV E R S ID A D
AUTONOM A
M E T R O P O L IT A N A
ea",
a b ie r ta
a l tie m p o
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,\zcapolzalco
Departamento de Procesos y Técnicas de Realización
D iv is ió n
d e C ie n c ia s
y A r te s
p a ra
e l D is e ñ o
Dr. Jorge Rodríguez Martínez
C o o r d in a d o r
d e l G ru p o
C o o r d in a to r
R e s e a rc h e r
o t tn e
and
d e A m in is tr a c ió n
R e s e a rc h
L e c tu re r;
G ro u p
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TABLE
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
OF CONTENTS
.ONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
v
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
vi
Chapter
l.
INTRODUCTIONZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
II.
CHILD
DEVELOPMENT
1
.
4
Preschool Age
Elementary School Age
Junior High School Age
Play
III.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MUSEUMS
Definition
Trends in NOn-Formal
Mobile Museums
Learning Centers
Hands-on Museums
The Museum Situation
IV.
CHILDREN'S
MUSEUMS
9
Education
in Mexico
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
. 19
Their Approach
Museum Areas
Design Points
Conclusions
V.
EXHIBIT
DESIGN
SYSTEM
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Antecedents
Exhibition Program
Country Summary
Storyline
Scenario
Design Package
CONCLUSIONS
APPENDIX
. . . . . .
. . . . . . .
1
•
•
•
68
70
iii
iv
APPENDIX
2 . . . . . . .
. 71ONMLKJIHGFEDC
SELECTED
BIBLIOGRAPHY
.
SLIDES
. . .
. . . . . . . . . • .
72
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONSONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
lo
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7a.
7b.
8.
9.
10.
11a.
11b.
11c.
12.
13a.
13b.
14a.
14b.
15a.
15b.
16.
17a.
17b.
18".
Mobile Museum in FranceZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
· · · · · ·
· · · ·
Mobile Museum in India
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
· · ·
Children's Museum in Caracas, Venezuela
·
·
· · · ·
Children's Museum in Caracas, Venezuela
·
·
Children's Museum in Caracas, Venezuela
· · · ·
Children's Museum in Staten Island, New York
· · ·
Children's Museum in Boston
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
· · ·
Different Exhibits in the Exploratorium
Museum
Graphic Symbols of Children's Museums
· · · · ·
Graphic Symbols of Children's Museums
· · · · ·
Use of Modular Unit of 4 ' by 4 ' and its Multiples
and Submultiples
· · · · · · · · ·
· · · · ·
Layout Proposal
·
·
·
·
·
· · ·
·
·
·
·
·
· · ·
Layout Proposal
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
· ·
·
·
·
·
Layout Proposal
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
Final Layout
. · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·· ··
Touching Sense Exhibit
· · · · · ·
Plant View of Touching Sense Area
·
· · · · · ·
Hearing Sense Exhbit
· · · · · · ·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
Plant View of Hearing Sense Area
· · ·
Seeing Sense Exhibit
· · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·
Plant View of Seeing Sense Area
· · · · · · · ·
Tasting Sense Exhibit
· · · · ·
· · · · · ·
Smelling Sense Exhibit
· · · · · · · · · · ·
·
·
·
Plant View of Chemical Senses Area
· · · · · · · ·
Installation
Process of the System
· · · · · · · ·
v
12
12
16
16
16
21
23
24
34
35
38
41
42
43
44
46
47
50
51
53
54
58
58
59
67
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
To my family
To my friends
To Bob Anders,
who gave me advice
vi
and direction.
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
A museum is a unique place to satisfy interest or
curiosity toward different fields of knowledge.
Not all people like to visit museums, however, even
those located in their neighborhoods.
There are a number
of reasons to explain this attitude, but the main one is
that most museums are boring places.
One solution to this problem is a new type of institution with a less formal approach and that achieves better
results.
This includes the hands-on and children's museums,
with participatory and active exhibits.
These museums are places where visitors may really feel
the displayed objects and experiments--where they are actors
rather than spectators.
This kind of approach attracts children as well as
adults to attend not just once, but several times.
This
is a sensation rarely felt in a visit to an ordinary museum.
1 have visited or been in touch with several successful
museums of this sort in the United States and Canada, such
as the Brooklyn, Boston, Staten Island and Washington Children's
museums; the Exploratorium in San Francisco, and the Toronto
Science Center in Canada.
1
2ihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
I think
some of their
applied
with
adapted
to those
nomic
success
ideas
to museums
countries'
and their messages
in other
can be
countries,
local educational
but
needs
and eco-
resources.
In developing
educational
countries,
facilities
there
is a real need
that illayreach most
to have
of their
young
population.
For example,
my investigation
the population
is that containing
ages of two and twelve
Children
countries
more
years
of age.
hood
have
that
I have
children
1
This is a very
time when
large group
dominant
role
young
habitual
patterns
important
population
2
are created
is under
twenty
will
child-
in the human
play
an increasingly
This is the period
which
and
fact, because
and experience
in development.
the
in developing
stage of development
learning
for
old.
an overwhelming
vital
chosen
between
than half of the total population
is the most
life--a
years
are an especially
which
where
group
have
in which
a lifelong
influence.
We must
the year
2000,
Third World's
add only
also take into consideration
some 630 million
labor
20 million
lThomas
(Washington,
young
force, while
adults
will
industrialized
join the
countries
will
workers.3
E. Weil, Area Handbook for Mexico, 2nd ed.
D.C.: American University Press, 1975), p. 37.
2Elizabeth Hurlock, Child Development,
York: McGraw Hill, 1978), p. 25.
3
the fact that by
George Russell, "People,
6 August 1984, p. 25.
People,
6th ed.
People,"
(New
Time,
3
These children must have the opportunity to develop their
potential to its fullest.
One way to accomplish this is
through education--either formal, as in schools, or nonformal, which is acquired through visits to museums, outdoor
activites, and so on.
I am personally interested in the
latter type, because it has many possibilities.
My own country, Mexico, fits within thecategory
of
developing countries and it has the need for non-formal
educational facilities.
My idea is the creation of a child-
ren's museum based on a modular system.
It can be prefabri-
cated and installed at the same time in different towns and
cities.
The exhibit itself aims to be a first or early handson experience for children.
The purpose is to sensitize
and make them aware of the world that surrounds them.
All
this will be based in the artistic, historie, and economic
national values.
CHAPTER
CHILD
It is necessary
development
decisions
because
taken
11
DEVELOPMENT
to know the characteristics
it will
affect
and will
four areas which
may be divided
PLAY
PSYCHOLOGICAL
FACTORS
Any children's
to obtain
museum
a very
process
and mental
old),
them all, and look
relationship
important
by offering
full of new and exciting
between
role in the
a stimulating
experiences,
encouraging
growth.
focus on three
(two to five years
years
consider
balanced
may also play
The study will
eleven
)
should
a harmonic,
!
CREATIVE
SEQUENCES
<
and learning
good physical
age
I
><
!
environment
into
)
MOTOR
DEVELOPMENT
The museum
lead to
are interrelated:
(
maturation
also
in the final designo
The study of child development
forward
of child
old),
and eleven
age groups:
elementary
to fifteen
4
school
years
preschool
age
old.
(five to
them.
5ihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Preschool
Psychological
thought
is primarily
and the perceptual.
Old)
controlled
It is a phase
by the
of sensory
of his world.1
exploration
Motor
(Two to Five Years
Factors
The child's
immediate
Age
Development
Motor
areas
development
of the body
are used
The principles
whole
body,
legs,
skills
are most
better
learned.
Creative
begins
with
gross movements¡
in walking,
of development
follow
feet¡ arms, wrist,
numerous
jumping,
and useful
large
etc.2
this sequence:
fingers.
Hand motor
and for this reason
Sequence
The child
and cutting
enjoys
his own movements,
of materials.
the child has little
the manipulation
This is a period
muscular
control
of all action¡
over his scri~bling
.
3
motlons.
Elementary School Age
(Five to Eleven Years Old)
Psychological
The child
thought.
Factors
is not capable,at
For this reasons,
this stage,of
abstract
1Gabrielle Pohle, "The Children's
~1useum News, November 1979, p. 18.
2Hurlock,
Child
Development,
concepts
Museum
abstract
should
not
as Collector,"
p. 38.
3Earl Linderman, Developing Artistic and Perceptual
Awareness
(Dubuque, Iowa: Wm. C. Brown Co., 1974), pp 49-50.
,
6ihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
be used
will
museums.1
in children's
focus his attention
color,
or other
the relation
Motor
physical
among
At this stage,
primarily
on an object's
characteristics,
the objects
without
size,
realizing
and their contexto
Development
Major
fine coordination
sma 11 er musc 1 e groups:
Children
The more
long-lasting
involves
the
i
2
throw
rowlng.
wrltlng,
these years
concrete
from a hands-
objects
than they
concepts.3
in obtaining
the age of eight
to convey
constructing
.
.
artlstlc
used
which
information,
an image will
the
4
be.
Sequence
Until
schemas
or abstract
senses
and more
Creative
during
or by manipulating
do from symbols
closer
takes place,
...
grasplng,
learn better
on experience
meaning
the child
uses
to his ideas.
process.
2Hurlock,
3pohle,
Development,
"The Children's
5Linderman,
p. 49.
or
involved
in the
5
Child
4Matthai,
symbols
He can deal with
a wo rk of art, and may become
1Robert Matthai, "Child Centered
News, March 1976, p. 18.
ness,
the child
"Child
Developing
p. 38.
Museum
Centered
Learning, " Museum
as Collector,"
p. 34.
Learning, " p. 17.
Artistic
and Perceptual
Aware-
7ihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Junior High School Age
(Eleven to Fifteen Years Old)
Psychological Factors
This is the final stage of development before adulthood.
The child can carry out complex abstract and logical
thought and deductive reasoning.1
Motor Development
The child almost reaches the adult level of perfection.
The speed, strength, and economy of movements increase, improving his motor skills.2
Creative Sequence
Between the ages of eight and twelve, the child discovers
new techniques and possibilities with art materials.3
There is a more realistic approach to the figure, and
increase of details in specific objects.
There is a defi-
nitive feeling for design qualities, such as repetition,
color, texture, and harmonies.
We almost always associate the word "play" with childhood, like that period when we were younger and had much
free time, endless energy and imagination, and when we could
transform any simple object and give it magic qualities.
1pohle, "The Children's Museum, " p. 34.
2Hurlock, Child Development, p. 145.
3Lln
. dI'
erman, Deve oPlng Awareness, p. 49 .
8ihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
During recent years, psychologists have been studying
play, its meaning and how it contributes to children's
personal and social adjustments.
Play is defined as any activity engaged in for the
enjoyment it gives, without consideration of the end
resulto
It is entered into voluntarily and is lacking
in external force or compulsion.1
Play may be passive like watching television, or active,
where the enjoyment comes from whatever the individual is
doing.
There are four different types of play: imitation,
exploration, testing, and construction.
The basic motivations of a child's play are: first,
the bio1ogical need for physical activity,~-the child is still
in the process of discovering his own body, its capabilities
and limitations; second, exploration of the irnmediate environment; third, a desire for movement sensations (stronger in
boys than girls); and fourth, and exploration of the causeand-effect relationship with his surroundings, a measure of
'1
P hys~ca
"t
growt h and cur~os~
y. 2
1Hurlock, Child Development, p. 290.
2Todd Slaughter, "Design of a Play Area" (Master of
Industrial Design Thesis, Pratt Institute, 1967), p. 35.
CHAPTER
III
MUSEUMS
Definition
"Museum"
Museums
manent
by the International
in the following
institution
velopment,
way:
of society
to the public,
which
cornrnunicates, and exhibits,
education
Council
"A non-profit-making,
in the service
and open
researches,
study,
is defined
and enjoyrnent, material
of
per-
and of its de-
acquires,
conserves,
for the purposes
evidence
of
of man
and his environment."l
Actually,
however,
flexible
and ready
changing
times
museums,
should
be alive
to cope and give an answer
of these
decades.
institutions,
to the fast-
For this reason,
a shift
is expected.
Some characteristics
of museums
in ten or twenty
years:
They
shall
be planned
for real people
and real
interests.
They will
The most
work will
areas
be fairly
adventurous,
be taking
place
small.
exciting,
and socially
in provincial
centers
relevant
or unpromising
..
2
o f 1 arge cltles.
1Kenneth Hudson, Museums for the 1980's
1977), p. 1
Ho1mes & Meir Pub1ishers,
2Ibid.,
P.
16.
9
(New York:
10
Trends
Non-formal
facilities
tion,
in Non-Formal
educational
are spreading
approaches
specifically.1
faced
today with
result
based
looking
The main
on highly
has developed
Mobile
literacy
articulate,
people's
think
about
for participatory
which
movement.
bright
new expectations
attena new
activites
for this is that we are
in education
Mass
is a direct
cOmID.unications
and dazzling
and literacies
productions
in its audience.
Museums
One of the new trends
reach people
regardless
reasons
we should
reason
a problem
of the verbal
and out-of-classroom
out, and if we want
in this case children's,
type of institution,
Education
in their
own schools,
of the geographical
for the need
for this
lazy due to new forms
widespread
is the mobile
of mass
form of mental
houses,
communications.
the mobile
When
a museum
or any institution
of having
a mobile
museum,
. d 3
att.l.tue.
The museum
ideas and to change
fundamental
must
museum
influence
must
3Ibid.,
Museums
p. 120.
created.
the museum's
for the 1980's,
and,
2
the decision
entire
people
expectations,
Center
is a
of the customers
down prejudice
1Gary Peterson, The Learning
Books, 1975), p. 13.
has become
laziness,
has made
try to interest
their habits,
aim of breaking
2Hudson,
has been
the priority
places,
There
as physical
to this,
may
One of the
is that the public
as well
which
or work
situation.
in answer
over the collections
museum,
in new
and hold
and widening
(New York:
p. 115.
a
horizons.
Linnet
11
We have
fairly
urban
two recent
sophisticated
areas.
roof which
1
examples
and deve10ped
The Linder
vehicle
are telescopic,
on the road the width
bition
purposes
it expands
of space
of rural
carrying
stores,
and a trailer
plete
but for exhi-
thus giving
visitors
metres--almost
consists
its entire
can be viewed
of two parts:
equipment
for the exhibition.2
on the ground
areas
and certain
The trailer
length,
so that a com-
from the outside
by
(fig. 2).
Center
Learning
improvement
This gives
centers
were
of learning
the student
to assimilate
student
of hydraulic
in India and is simpler
technical
flap running
standing
Learning
The unit
the crew,
row of exhibits
people
It is built
vehicle.
a truck
and a
has its focus on roadless
communities.
has an outside
to 7 metres,
for
(fig. 1).
example
than the Linder
by means
is 2.5 metres,
one
mainly
has side walls
in an area of 56 square
like a smal1 gallery
The second
museums,
in France
extending
jacksi
a feeling
of mobile
created
within
a most
knowledge,
bearing
in mind
the different
adequate
better
the
school
levels.
environment
in which
than the classroom
teacher-
relationship.
The learning
of four service$
center
library,
1Ibid.,
p. 115.
2Ibid.,
p. 117.
may be described
audiovisual
as an amalgamation
services,
non-
12
S A V I E . '¡ '
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10
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L.
ll'
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I
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PLATFOR\l
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S T A lfiC A S E
Fig. 1. Mobile
in France.
I
I
I
ENTRANCE
I
¡
col
I
W HEN
I
El
~~
Museum
J:
1.
r:
2.
Mobile
Museum
in India
13
traditional
learning
10pment.1
Its main
a changing
agente
must
mainstream.
visible
innovative
more
rather
rather
skills
to gain
in
however,
rather
experimental
than
and
is especially
more
effective
in intellectual
accomplish
under
in enabling
content
conventional
and
cir-VUTSRQPONMLKJ
3
because
centers
they provide
lectual
stimulation
cational
mainstream
may start
vicarious
at the preschool
experiences
so that the youngster
irnmediately.
and so on can be supplied
depth
is bright
involved
flexible
than seclusionary,
something
The use of these
level,
heavily
specialists,
than reactive,
center
than they would
cumstances.
centers
act as
than solid and unimaginative."2
The learning
students
become
These
deve-
is that it should
for learning
and personnel
be proactive
rigid,
and instructional
characteristic
"The future
if their programs
the educational
activities,
Field,
to provide
and intel-
can enter
trips,
more
the edu-
speakers,
variety
and greater
4
of learning.
Hands-On
Museums
The third
concept
option
of hands-on
two needs:
first,
1
Peterson,
in non-formal
museums,
the development
The Learning
2Ibid.,
p. 20.
3Ibid.,
p. 14.
4Ibid.,
p. 64.
which
education
emerged
is the
in answer
of new kinds
Center,
p. 9 .
to
of museum
14
experience,
search
especia1ly
for the young¡
for significant
out-of-school
second,
the ongoing
educational
oppor-
tunities.1
What makes
them different
is their approach.
from traditional
museums
They are experience-oriented
rather
than object-oriented.
the museum
resources
They bring
that the visitor
an experience
in which
get-involved
off,
just-look
approach.
This kind
of museum
in the education
can learn
he is an active
is a hands-on,
of all ages.
approach,
may have
popular
attention
less with
may change,
There
this kind
but of in~ividuals
high
culture
depending
Large
on children,
while
small
museums
on
cities
and they may center
need of experience-oriented
role.
role to
culture.3
of museums,
unequivocally
have a great
a broader
variety
It
than a hands-VUTSRQPONMLKJIH
an increasing
they are in a large or small city.
have a wider
through
participant.
not just of children
The focus of these museums
whether
can occur.
the most
rather
and
2
They are concerned
than they are with
the visitor
in such a way that learning
They maintain
play
together
their
cities
to assume
4
is a growing
in different
interest
about
starting
cornmunities and cities
museums
of
throughout
1Educational Facilities Laboratories:
Hands-On Museums
(New York: Educational Facilities Laboratories,
1975), p. 4.
2Ibid. , p.
5.
3Ibid. , P.
6.
4Ibid.,
p. 40.
15
the United
mainly
States
and other
due to the success
The necessity
therefore
for giving
been
because
exhibit
The Exploratorium
environment
of their
with
museum
Museum
museum
this
has
was created
sound,
with
basic
It is an interactive
a focus on perception.
increase
tendency:
that dealt
in their essence.
own senses--light,
The second
that follow
in San Francisco,
demonstrationsthat
Children's
is
have hado
a new kind of museum
for a science
of physics
manipulate
people
This
some other museums
three museums
of the need
principIes
that
of the world.
recognized.
1 will mention
the first,
parts
their
Visitors
understanding
color.1
of this type is the Jacksonville
in Jacksonville,
Florida.
are designed
as total
environments.
for example,
features
a huge human mouth
The exhibits
The health
exhibit,
and throat
where
~
kids crawl
through
to see a presentation
The third museum
Fort Worth,
United
Texas.
States,
everything
is the Fort Worth
It is the largest
where
classes
from film making
It is also worth
this type opened
of its kind
1Ibid.,
p. 16.
2Ibid.,
p. 14.
3Ibid.,
p. 8 .
of Science
museum-school
in
3
that a children's
Venezuela--the
(figs. 3-5).
in
in the
are giving
to comet-watching.
in Caracas,
in south America
Museum
and workshops
mentioning
recently
on nutrition.~
museum
first
of
16
@!~
~
".•._"e',. .•."
l-l i
VUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
~ c " '~
I
F ig .
3 . : 4 . '. 5 . C h i l d r e n
's
M useum
an
C a ra c a s,
V e n e z u e la
17
The Museum
Museums
must
and creativity
way,
it must
Situation
be an authentic
oÍ the inhabitants
complement
in Mexico
expression
oÍ the history
of a region.
the programs
of formal
In the same
education
in the area.1
Museums
keeping
should
and cornmunicating
the inhabitants
important
that
most
cultural
all those
center,
schools
the museum
educational
instrument
of a cornmunity.
just have
reason,
be a real
programs,
function
and work
the Archaelogy
numerous.
This reveals
vein,
of interest
They should
especially
In Mexico,
in a traditionalist
things
cornmunities
education.
For this
in coordination
as a complement
and History
that museum
giving
priority
to
be the most
in those
for elementary
must
for rescuing,
with
to them.
museums
policy
the
are the
continues
to archaeological
investigations.
The specialized
they deserve.
being
lation
museums
Another
developed
must
groups,
putting
have not received
problem
be focused
special
is that cultural
toward
the importance
activities
the different
attention
on young
popu-
people
and children.
Unfortunately,
in Mexico
do not have
In general,
educational
what
there
facilities
has happened
a designated
is that most museums
area for chilren.
is a lack of adequate
for children,
non-formal
and there
is a need
for
1Yolanda Ramos, Proyecto Para la Creacion de Museos
Locals en Mexico [Project for the Creation of Local Museums
in Mexico].
Mexico City: Instituto Nacional de Antropologia,
1977), pp. 2-3.
18
children's
big urban
across
museums
centers,
the country.
or similar
institutions,
but also for small
cities
not just for the
and towns
CHAPTER IV
CHILDREN'S MUSEUMS
The history of museums dedicated especially for young
people goes back to 1899, when the Brooklyn Children's
Museum opened its doors as the world's first museum of this
type.
It was dedicated to teaching children about themselves
and the world in which they live through the interdisciplinary presentation and active exploration of museum
ob']ects. 1
There has been a growing interestabout
this kind recently.
museums of
This can be seen in the fact that
there are approximately
108 children's museums in the world,
88 of which are located in the united States.
Ten percent
of the United States total represent general museums, thirty
percent constitute departments of larger museums, and the
remaining sixty percent are junior's, children's, or youth
museums--independent
institutions geared especially for
children.2
Their Approach
Most children' s museums take a hands-on approach,
the main purpose centering around the child and certain
1Brooklyn Children's Museum, School Class Programs
Booklet (Brooklyn, N.Y.: The Brooklyn Children's Museum,
p.
4
1984),VUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
2
Pohle, "The Children' s Museum as Collector ," p. 33.
19
20
themes
relating
to him.
the one in Boston
purpose
to perceive
and technological
by adults
in the museum's
presentations
poration
ethnic
function
program
material
choice
cases
areas best
correspond
This
new,
participation
non-verbal,
multimedia
civic,
extension
and
with
didactic
the teaching
and natural
of the
the take-home
are concentrated
1Jim Zein, "Beyond
November 1979, p. 27.
(fig. 6).1
4
forming
around
social
as w.ell as the incor-
collection
and tactile
of some courses.
on the areas
sciences,
to the child's
and the world
as well
is also reflected
games,
important
teachers
physical
them
of the environmental,
that may reinforce
areas
the rapid
emphasizing
activities,3
of these museums,
anthropology,
2
of
adults
is to develop
of programs,
are a very
that provides
on helping
around
like
sense
in predominantly
in the communities.
The museum
himself
experiences.
of the concerns
Loan
methods,
together
and other
groups
occuring
educational
learning
focused
of the museum
and children
first-time
are museums
and understand
changes
The orientation
less didactic
there
that have a new and broader
cross-generational
as children,
Although
of
because
preoccupation
such
with
5
him.
the Generation
Gap,"
Museum
News,
2Ibid.VUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
3
Museum
Aalber
News,
4zein,
5Ibid.,
Heine, "Making Glad the Heart
November 1979, p. 23.
"Beyond
p.
34.
the Generation
Gap,"
p.
of Children,"
~.
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f ,,,
DESIGN
SYSTEM
FOR CHILDREN'S
MUSEUMS
by
Jorge
@
Rodriguez
MartinezZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Jorge Rodriguez Martinez
All rights reserved.
A thesis
submitted in partial fulfillment
of the requirements
for
the degree of Master of Industrial Design
School of Art and Design
Pratt Institute
February
1985
E X H IB IT
D E S IG N
S Y S T E lY l
FOR
C H IL D R E N '
S
H U S E U M S baZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJI
by
Jorge
Received
Rodriguez
Martinez
and approved
M a j~ N ;0 r
February
-
·/1-í/¿-S-
M.
Date ,/
/
Parriot /~----~---------
Joseph
Date
Dean - Vieri
R. Salvadori
1985ZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIH
-----------------
U N IV E R S ID A D
AUTONOM A
M E T R O P O L IT A N A
ea",
a b ie r ta
a l tie m p o
lA \.
ONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
,\zcapolzalco
Departamento de Procesos y Técnicas de Realización
D iv is ió n
d e C ie n c ia s
y A r te s
p a ra
e l D is e ñ o
Dr. Jorge Rodríguez Martínez
C o o r d in a d o r
d e l G ru p o
C o o r d in a to r
R e s e a rc h e r
o t tn e
and
d e A m in is tr a c ió n
R e s e a rc h
L e c tu re r;
G ro u p
A v . S a n P a b lo
D e le g a c ió n
T e 1 5 : 5 3 1 8 9 4 8 2 ,9 1 8 3
l~ / ~ ~ í 1 - 1 , ', , ¡ ¡ ~ r r a a iO \ (
Y 9186
p a ra
O e s ig n
ID , M /O , M B A .
F .x :5 3 9 4
8873
yl'eC.lotá:óldP-'lrQ
e l D is e ñ o
FEDCBA
M anagem ent
P hO .
N O .1 8 0 ,
C o l. R e y n o s a
A z c a p o tz a lc o .
e - m a il:
02200
r m j@ c o r r e o
ra m a u u p a s
M é x ic o .
D .F .
.a z c .u a r n .m x
e f d , S e I '7 D " a 'Z . C ~ l , - · l ~
TABLE
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
OF CONTENTS
.ONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
v
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
vi
Chapter
l.
INTRODUCTIONZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
II.
CHILD
DEVELOPMENT
1
.
4
Preschool Age
Elementary School Age
Junior High School Age
Play
III.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MUSEUMS
Definition
Trends in NOn-Formal
Mobile Museums
Learning Centers
Hands-on Museums
The Museum Situation
IV.
CHILDREN'S
MUSEUMS
9
Education
in Mexico
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
. 19
Their Approach
Museum Areas
Design Points
Conclusions
V.
EXHIBIT
DESIGN
SYSTEM
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Antecedents
Exhibition Program
Country Summary
Storyline
Scenario
Design Package
CONCLUSIONS
APPENDIX
. . . . . .
. . . . . . .
1
•
•
•
68
70
iii
iv
APPENDIX
2 . . . . . . .
. 71ONMLKJIHGFEDC
SELECTED
BIBLIOGRAPHY
.
SLIDES
. . .
. . . . . . . . . • .
72
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONSONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
lo
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7a.
7b.
8.
9.
10.
11a.
11b.
11c.
12.
13a.
13b.
14a.
14b.
15a.
15b.
16.
17a.
17b.
18".
Mobile Museum in FranceZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
· · · · · ·
· · · ·
Mobile Museum in India
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
· · ·
Children's Museum in Caracas, Venezuela
·
·
· · · ·
Children's Museum in Caracas, Venezuela
·
·
Children's Museum in Caracas, Venezuela
· · · ·
Children's Museum in Staten Island, New York
· · ·
Children's Museum in Boston
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
· · ·
Different Exhibits in the Exploratorium
Museum
Graphic Symbols of Children's Museums
· · · · ·
Graphic Symbols of Children's Museums
· · · · ·
Use of Modular Unit of 4 ' by 4 ' and its Multiples
and Submultiples
· · · · · · · · ·
· · · · ·
Layout Proposal
·
·
·
·
·
· · ·
·
·
·
·
·
· · ·
Layout Proposal
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
· ·
·
·
·
·
Layout Proposal
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
Final Layout
. · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·· ··
Touching Sense Exhibit
· · · · · ·
Plant View of Touching Sense Area
·
· · · · · ·
Hearing Sense Exhbit
· · · · · · ·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
Plant View of Hearing Sense Area
· · ·
Seeing Sense Exhibit
· · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·
Plant View of Seeing Sense Area
· · · · · · · ·
Tasting Sense Exhibit
· · · · ·
· · · · · ·
Smelling Sense Exhibit
· · · · · · · · · · ·
·
·
·
Plant View of Chemical Senses Area
· · · · · · · ·
Installation
Process of the System
· · · · · · · ·
v
12
12
16
16
16
21
23
24
34
35
38
41
42
43
44
46
47
50
51
53
54
58
58
59
67
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
To my family
To my friends
To Bob Anders,
who gave me advice
vi
and direction.
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
A museum is a unique place to satisfy interest or
curiosity toward different fields of knowledge.
Not all people like to visit museums, however, even
those located in their neighborhoods.
There are a number
of reasons to explain this attitude, but the main one is
that most museums are boring places.
One solution to this problem is a new type of institution with a less formal approach and that achieves better
results.
This includes the hands-on and children's museums,
with participatory and active exhibits.
These museums are places where visitors may really feel
the displayed objects and experiments--where they are actors
rather than spectators.
This kind of approach attracts children as well as
adults to attend not just once, but several times.
This
is a sensation rarely felt in a visit to an ordinary museum.
1 have visited or been in touch with several successful
museums of this sort in the United States and Canada, such
as the Brooklyn, Boston, Staten Island and Washington Children's
museums; the Exploratorium in San Francisco, and the Toronto
Science Center in Canada.
1
2ihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
I think
some of their
applied
with
adapted
to those
nomic
success
ideas
to museums
countries'
and their messages
in other
can be
countries,
local educational
but
needs
and eco-
resources.
In developing
educational
countries,
facilities
there
is a real need
that illayreach most
to have
of their
young
population.
For example,
my investigation
the population
is that containing
ages of two and twelve
Children
countries
more
years
of age.
hood
have
that
I have
children
1
This is a very
time when
large group
dominant
role
young
habitual
patterns
important
population
2
are created
is under
twenty
will
child-
in the human
play
an increasingly
This is the period
which
and
fact, because
and experience
in development.
the
in developing
stage of development
learning
for
old.
an overwhelming
vital
chosen
between
than half of the total population
is the most
life--a
years
are an especially
which
where
group
have
in which
a lifelong
influence.
We must
the year
2000,
Third World's
add only
also take into consideration
some 630 million
labor
20 million
lThomas
(Washington,
young
force, while
adults
will
industrialized
join the
countries
will
workers.3
E. Weil, Area Handbook for Mexico, 2nd ed.
D.C.: American University Press, 1975), p. 37.
2Elizabeth Hurlock, Child Development,
York: McGraw Hill, 1978), p. 25.
3
the fact that by
George Russell, "People,
6 August 1984, p. 25.
People,
6th ed.
People,"
(New
Time,
3
These children must have the opportunity to develop their
potential to its fullest.
One way to accomplish this is
through education--either formal, as in schools, or nonformal, which is acquired through visits to museums, outdoor
activites, and so on.
I am personally interested in the
latter type, because it has many possibilities.
My own country, Mexico, fits within thecategory
of
developing countries and it has the need for non-formal
educational facilities.
My idea is the creation of a child-
ren's museum based on a modular system.
It can be prefabri-
cated and installed at the same time in different towns and
cities.
The exhibit itself aims to be a first or early handson experience for children.
The purpose is to sensitize
and make them aware of the world that surrounds them.
All
this will be based in the artistic, historie, and economic
national values.
CHAPTER
CHILD
It is necessary
development
decisions
because
taken
11
DEVELOPMENT
to know the characteristics
it will
affect
and will
four areas which
may be divided
PLAY
PSYCHOLOGICAL
FACTORS
Any children's
to obtain
museum
a very
process
and mental
old),
them all, and look
relationship
important
by offering
full of new and exciting
between
role in the
a stimulating
experiences,
encouraging
growth.
focus on three
(two to five years
years
consider
balanced
may also play
The study will
eleven
)
should
a harmonic,
!
CREATIVE
SEQUENCES
<
and learning
good physical
age
I
><
!
environment
into
)
MOTOR
DEVELOPMENT
The museum
lead to
are interrelated:
(
maturation
also
in the final designo
The study of child development
forward
of child
old),
and eleven
age groups:
elementary
to fifteen
4
school
years
preschool
age
old.
(five to
them.
5ihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Preschool
Psychological
thought
is primarily
and the perceptual.
Old)
controlled
It is a phase
by the
of sensory
of his world.1
exploration
Motor
(Two to Five Years
Factors
The child's
immediate
Age
Development
Motor
areas
development
of the body
are used
The principles
whole
body,
legs,
skills
are most
better
learned.
Creative
begins
with
gross movements¡
in walking,
of development
follow
feet¡ arms, wrist,
numerous
jumping,
and useful
large
etc.2
this sequence:
fingers.
Hand motor
and for this reason
Sequence
The child
and cutting
enjoys
his own movements,
of materials.
the child has little
the manipulation
This is a period
muscular
control
of all action¡
over his scri~bling
.
3
motlons.
Elementary School Age
(Five to Eleven Years Old)
Psychological
The child
thought.
Factors
is not capable,at
For this reasons,
this stage,of
abstract
1Gabrielle Pohle, "The Children's
~1useum News, November 1979, p. 18.
2Hurlock,
Child
Development,
concepts
Museum
abstract
should
not
as Collector,"
p. 38.
3Earl Linderman, Developing Artistic and Perceptual
Awareness
(Dubuque, Iowa: Wm. C. Brown Co., 1974), pp 49-50.
,
6ihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
be used
will
museums.1
in children's
focus his attention
color,
or other
the relation
Motor
physical
among
At this stage,
primarily
on an object's
characteristics,
the objects
without
size,
realizing
and their contexto
Development
Major
fine coordination
sma 11 er musc 1 e groups:
Children
The more
long-lasting
involves
the
i
2
throw
rowlng.
wrltlng,
these years
concrete
from a hands-
objects
than they
concepts.3
in obtaining
the age of eight
to convey
constructing
.
.
artlstlc
used
which
information,
an image will
the
4
be.
Sequence
Until
schemas
or abstract
senses
and more
Creative
during
or by manipulating
do from symbols
closer
takes place,
...
grasplng,
learn better
on experience
meaning
the child
uses
to his ideas.
process.
2Hurlock,
3pohle,
Development,
"The Children's
5Linderman,
p. 49.
or
involved
in the
5
Child
4Matthai,
symbols
He can deal with
a wo rk of art, and may become
1Robert Matthai, "Child Centered
News, March 1976, p. 18.
ness,
the child
"Child
Developing
p. 38.
Museum
Centered
Learning, " Museum
as Collector,"
p. 34.
Learning, " p. 17.
Artistic
and Perceptual
Aware-
7ihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Junior High School Age
(Eleven to Fifteen Years Old)
Psychological Factors
This is the final stage of development before adulthood.
The child can carry out complex abstract and logical
thought and deductive reasoning.1
Motor Development
The child almost reaches the adult level of perfection.
The speed, strength, and economy of movements increase, improving his motor skills.2
Creative Sequence
Between the ages of eight and twelve, the child discovers
new techniques and possibilities with art materials.3
There is a more realistic approach to the figure, and
increase of details in specific objects.
There is a defi-
nitive feeling for design qualities, such as repetition,
color, texture, and harmonies.
We almost always associate the word "play" with childhood, like that period when we were younger and had much
free time, endless energy and imagination, and when we could
transform any simple object and give it magic qualities.
1pohle, "The Children's Museum, " p. 34.
2Hurlock, Child Development, p. 145.
3Lln
. dI'
erman, Deve oPlng Awareness, p. 49 .
8ihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
During recent years, psychologists have been studying
play, its meaning and how it contributes to children's
personal and social adjustments.
Play is defined as any activity engaged in for the
enjoyment it gives, without consideration of the end
resulto
It is entered into voluntarily and is lacking
in external force or compulsion.1
Play may be passive like watching television, or active,
where the enjoyment comes from whatever the individual is
doing.
There are four different types of play: imitation,
exploration, testing, and construction.
The basic motivations of a child's play are: first,
the bio1ogical need for physical activity,~-the child is still
in the process of discovering his own body, its capabilities
and limitations; second, exploration of the irnmediate environment; third, a desire for movement sensations (stronger in
boys than girls); and fourth, and exploration of the causeand-effect relationship with his surroundings, a measure of
'1
P hys~ca
"t
growt h and cur~os~
y. 2
1Hurlock, Child Development, p. 290.
2Todd Slaughter, "Design of a Play Area" (Master of
Industrial Design Thesis, Pratt Institute, 1967), p. 35.
CHAPTER
III
MUSEUMS
Definition
"Museum"
Museums
manent
by the International
in the following
institution
velopment,
way:
of society
to the public,
which
cornrnunicates, and exhibits,
education
Council
"A non-profit-making,
in the service
and open
researches,
study,
is defined
and enjoyrnent, material
of
per-
and of its de-
acquires,
conserves,
for the purposes
evidence
of
of man
and his environment."l
Actually,
however,
flexible
and ready
changing
times
museums,
should
be alive
to cope and give an answer
of these
decades.
institutions,
to the fast-
For this reason,
a shift
is expected.
Some characteristics
of museums
in ten or twenty
years:
They
shall
be planned
for real people
and real
interests.
They will
The most
work will
areas
be fairly
adventurous,
be taking
place
small.
exciting,
and socially
in provincial
centers
relevant
or unpromising
..
2
o f 1 arge cltles.
1Kenneth Hudson, Museums for the 1980's
1977), p. 1
Ho1mes & Meir Pub1ishers,
2Ibid.,
P.
16.
9
(New York:
10
Trends
Non-formal
facilities
tion,
in Non-Formal
educational
are spreading
approaches
specifically.1
faced
today with
result
based
looking
The main
on highly
has developed
Mobile
literacy
articulate,
people's
think
about
for participatory
which
movement.
bright
new expectations
attena new
activites
for this is that we are
in education
Mass
is a direct
cOmID.unications
and dazzling
and literacies
productions
in its audience.
Museums
One of the new trends
reach people
regardless
reasons
we should
reason
a problem
of the verbal
and out-of-classroom
out, and if we want
in this case children's,
type of institution,
Education
in their
own schools,
of the geographical
for the need
for this
lazy due to new forms
widespread
is the mobile
of mass
form of mental
houses,
communications.
the mobile
When
a museum
or any institution
of having
a mobile
museum,
. d 3
att.l.tue.
The museum
ideas and to change
fundamental
must
museum
influence
must
3Ibid.,
Museums
p. 120.
created.
the museum's
for the 1980's,
and,
2
the decision
entire
people
expectations,
Center
is a
of the customers
down prejudice
1Gary Peterson, The Learning
Books, 1975), p. 13.
has become
laziness,
has made
try to interest
their habits,
aim of breaking
2Hudson,
has been
the priority
places,
There
as physical
to this,
may
One of the
is that the public
as well
which
or work
situation.
in answer
over the collections
museum,
in new
and hold
and widening
(New York:
p. 115.
a
horizons.
Linnet
11
We have
fairly
urban
two recent
sophisticated
areas.
roof which
1
examples
and deve10ped
The Linder
vehicle
are telescopic,
on the road the width
bition
purposes
it expands
of space
of rural
carrying
stores,
and a trailer
plete
but for exhi-
thus giving
visitors
metres--almost
consists
its entire
can be viewed
of two parts:
equipment
for the exhibition.2
on the ground
areas
and certain
The trailer
length,
so that a com-
from the outside
by
(fig. 2).
Center
Learning
improvement
This gives
centers
were
of learning
the student
to assimilate
student
of hydraulic
in India and is simpler
technical
flap running
standing
Learning
The unit
the crew,
row of exhibits
people
It is built
vehicle.
a truck
and a
has its focus on roadless
communities.
has an outside
to 7 metres,
for
(fig. 1).
example
than the Linder
by means
is 2.5 metres,
one
mainly
has side walls
in an area of 56 square
like a smal1 gallery
The second
museums,
in France
extending
jacksi
a feeling
of mobile
created
within
a most
knowledge,
bearing
in mind
the different
adequate
better
the
school
levels.
environment
in which
than the classroom
teacher-
relationship.
The learning
of four service$
center
library,
1Ibid.,
p. 115.
2Ibid.,
p. 117.
may be described
audiovisual
as an amalgamation
services,
non-
12
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Fig. 1. Mobile
in France.
I
I
I
ENTRANCE
I
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col
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~~
Museum
J:
1.
r:
2.
Mobile
Museum
in India
13
traditional
learning
10pment.1
Its main
a changing
agente
must
mainstream.
visible
innovative
more
rather
rather
skills
to gain
in
however,
rather
experimental
than
and
is especially
more
effective
in intellectual
accomplish
under
in enabling
content
conventional
and
cir-VUTSRQPONMLKJ
3
because
centers
they provide
lectual
stimulation
cational
mainstream
may start
vicarious
at the preschool
experiences
so that the youngster
irnmediately.
and so on can be supplied
depth
is bright
involved
flexible
than seclusionary,
something
The use of these
level,
heavily
specialists,
than reactive,
center
than they would
cumstances.
centers
act as
than solid and unimaginative."2
The learning
students
become
These
deve-
is that it should
for learning
and personnel
be proactive
rigid,
and instructional
characteristic
"The future
if their programs
the educational
activities,
Field,
to provide
and intel-
can enter
trips,
more
the edu-
speakers,
variety
and greater
4
of learning.
Hands-On
Museums
The third
concept
option
of hands-on
two needs:
first,
1
Peterson,
in non-formal
museums,
the development
The Learning
2Ibid.,
p. 20.
3Ibid.,
p. 14.
4Ibid.,
p. 64.
which
education
emerged
is the
in answer
of new kinds
Center,
p. 9 .
to
of museum
14
experience,
search
especia1ly
for the young¡
for significant
out-of-school
second,
the ongoing
educational
oppor-
tunities.1
What makes
them different
is their approach.
from traditional
museums
They are experience-oriented
rather
than object-oriented.
the museum
resources
They bring
that the visitor
an experience
in which
get-involved
off,
just-look
approach.
This kind
of museum
in the education
can learn
he is an active
is a hands-on,
of all ages.
approach,
may have
popular
attention
less with
may change,
There
this kind
but of in~ividuals
high
culture
depending
Large
on children,
while
small
museums
on
cities
and they may center
need of experience-oriented
role.
role to
culture.3
of museums,
unequivocally
have a great
a broader
variety
It
than a hands-VUTSRQPONMLKJIH
an increasing
they are in a large or small city.
have a wider
through
participant.
not just of children
The focus of these museums
whether
can occur.
the most
rather
and
2
They are concerned
than they are with
the visitor
in such a way that learning
They maintain
play
together
their
cities
to assume
4
is a growing
in different
interest
about
starting
cornmunities and cities
museums
of
throughout
1Educational Facilities Laboratories:
Hands-On Museums
(New York: Educational Facilities Laboratories,
1975), p. 4.
2Ibid. , p.
5.
3Ibid. , P.
6.
4Ibid.,
p. 40.
15
the United
mainly
States
and other
due to the success
The necessity
therefore
for giving
been
because
exhibit
The Exploratorium
environment
of their
with
museum
Museum
museum
this
has
was created
sound,
with
basic
It is an interactive
a focus on perception.
increase
tendency:
that dealt
in their essence.
own senses--light,
The second
that follow
in San Francisco,
demonstrationsthat
Children's
is
have hado
a new kind of museum
for a science
of physics
manipulate
people
This
some other museums
three museums
of the need
principIes
that
of the world.
recognized.
1 will mention
the first,
parts
their
Visitors
understanding
color.1
of this type is the Jacksonville
in Jacksonville,
Florida.
are designed
as total
environments.
for example,
features
a huge human mouth
The exhibits
The health
exhibit,
and throat
where
~
kids crawl
through
to see a presentation
The third museum
Fort Worth,
United
Texas.
States,
everything
is the Fort Worth
It is the largest
where
classes
from film making
It is also worth
this type opened
of its kind
1Ibid.,
p. 16.
2Ibid.,
p. 14.
3Ibid.,
p. 8 .
of Science
museum-school
in
3
that a children's
Venezuela--the
(figs. 3-5).
in
in the
are giving
to comet-watching.
in Caracas,
in south America
Museum
and workshops
mentioning
recently
on nutrition.~
museum
first
of
16
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's
M useum
an
C a ra c a s,
V e n e z u e la
17
The Museum
Museums
must
and creativity
way,
it must
Situation
be an authentic
oÍ the inhabitants
complement
in Mexico
expression
oÍ the history
of a region.
the programs
of formal
In the same
education
in the area.1
Museums
keeping
should
and cornmunicating
the inhabitants
important
that
most
cultural
all those
center,
schools
the museum
educational
instrument
of a cornmunity.
just have
reason,
be a real
programs,
function
and work
the Archaelogy
numerous.
This reveals
vein,
of interest
They should
especially
In Mexico,
in a traditionalist
things
cornmunities
education.
For this
in coordination
as a complement
and History
that museum
giving
priority
to
be the most
in those
for elementary
must
for rescuing,
with
to them.
museums
policy
the
are the
continues
to archaeological
investigations.
The specialized
they deserve.
being
lation
museums
Another
developed
must
groups,
putting
have not received
problem
be focused
special
is that cultural
toward
the importance
activities
the different
attention
on young
popu-
people
and children.
Unfortunately,
in Mexico
do not have
In general,
educational
what
there
facilities
has happened
a designated
is that most museums
area for chilren.
is a lack of adequate
for children,
non-formal
and there
is a need
for
1Yolanda Ramos, Proyecto Para la Creacion de Museos
Locals en Mexico [Project for the Creation of Local Museums
in Mexico].
Mexico City: Instituto Nacional de Antropologia,
1977), pp. 2-3.
18
children's
big urban
across
museums
centers,
the country.
or similar
institutions,
but also for small
cities
not just for the
and towns
CHAPTER IV
CHILDREN'S MUSEUMS
The history of museums dedicated especially for young
people goes back to 1899, when the Brooklyn Children's
Museum opened its doors as the world's first museum of this
type.
It was dedicated to teaching children about themselves
and the world in which they live through the interdisciplinary presentation and active exploration of museum
ob']ects. 1
There has been a growing interestabout
this kind recently.
museums of
This can be seen in the fact that
there are approximately
108 children's museums in the world,
88 of which are located in the united States.
Ten percent
of the United States total represent general museums, thirty
percent constitute departments of larger museums, and the
remaining sixty percent are junior's, children's, or youth
museums--independent
institutions geared especially for
children.2
Their Approach
Most children' s museums take a hands-on approach,
the main purpose centering around the child and certain
1Brooklyn Children's Museum, School Class Programs
Booklet (Brooklyn, N.Y.: The Brooklyn Children's Museum,
p.
4
1984),VUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
2
Pohle, "The Children' s Museum as Collector ," p. 33.
19
20
themes
relating
to him.
the one in Boston
purpose
to perceive
and technological
by adults
in the museum's
presentations
poration
ethnic
function
program
material
choice
cases
areas best
correspond
This
new,
participation
non-verbal,
multimedia
civic,
extension
and
with
didactic
the teaching
and natural
of the
the take-home
are concentrated
1Jim Zein, "Beyond
November 1979, p. 27.
(fig. 6).1
4
forming
around
social
as w.ell as the incor-
collection
and tactile
of some courses.
on the areas
sciences,
to the child's
and the world
as well
is also reflected
games,
important
teachers
physical
them
of the environmental,
that may reinforce
areas
the rapid
emphasizing
activities,3
of these museums,
anthropology,
2
of
adults
is to develop
of programs,
are a very
that provides
on helping
around
like
sense
in predominantly
in the communities.
The museum
himself
experiences.
of the concerns
Loan
methods,
together
and other
groups
occuring
educational
learning
focused
of the museum
and children
first-time
are museums
and understand
changes
The orientation
less didactic
there
that have a new and broader
cross-generational
as children,
Although
of
because
preoccupation
such
with
5
him.
the Generation
Gap,"
Museum
News,
2Ibid.VUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
3
Museum
Aalber
News,
4zein,
5Ibid.,
Heine, "Making Glad the Heart
November 1979, p. 23.
"Beyond
p.
34.
the Generation
Gap,"
p.
of Children,"
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