Скачать или смотреть Center of Science and Industry: Converting A Childhood Memory Into A Global Educational Institution

Sandy Hallock II experienced an epiphany while on a business trip to Chicago during 1957. At the time, he worked as an account executive for the Byer and Bowman advertising agency. During his stay, he had re-visited the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry, where he had gleaned inspiration years before visiting with his father. Upon his return home, he noted to his wife that Columbus needed a similar institution.

Some individuals dream enormous achievements, but merely suppress the urge to act upon them. Hallock drafted a proposal for his vision during 1958 and followed up the plan by furthering his idea to the Franklin County Historical Society. The organization was then housed in the old Memorial Hall Building on East Broad Street. In November 1961, the Society’s Board of Directors presented a formal plan to establish a Center of Science and Industry (COSI) to the Franklin County Commissioners. The concept coincided with the commissioner’s desire to preserve Memorial Hall. They allocated the necessary funds the following year to renovate the building.

Following intensive lobbying through city officials and business leaders, Memorial Hall was remodeled during 1963 to accommodate the new center. Hallock was rightfully appointed the initial Executive Director of COSI and the facility opened to the public on Easter Sunday, March 29, 1964. For 35 years, the Memorial Hall sufficed for the basic educational exhibits.

On November 6, 1999, COSI relocated into an ambitious 320,000 square foot facility designed by Japanese architect Arata Isozaki. The facility was strategically positioned along a bend in the Scioto River in the Franklinton neighborhood. The museum features in excess of 300 interactive exhibits with extensive community support of 10,000 volunteers annually and 20,000 member households.

COSI features seven primary exhibit areas including Ocean, Energy Explorers, Space Progress, Gadgets, Life, and the American Museum of natural History Dinosaur Gallery. Hallways between each learning sector are punctuated with hands-on exhibits and displays. The format remains as imaginative as the diversity of potential display material.