In 2007 the Kansas Department of Education submitted an Request For Proposal for a company to understand, create, and deliver the design and building of a walk-through exhibit aimed at teaching elementary aged children about healthy eating habits and lifestyles. The Image Resources Group was selected as the vendor of choice. With childhood obesity rates on the rise, the need for such an exhibit was immediate. The exhibit consists of 11 learning stations depicting parts of the human body. The Kansas Department of Education presented The Image Resources team with not only a challenge, but also an opportunity to create something that would benefit the children of the state of Kansas. A few of the requirements we faced when taking on this project are listed below.
1. The exhibit structure must be durable, lightweight, and simple enough for inexperienced volunteers to assemble and disassemble.
In order to meet this challenge we tested several material options. Aluminum tubes for the frame proved to be both durable and lightweight. Covering the frame with breathable fabric graphics also helped us to keep the weight down and keeps the inside of the exhibit cool and comfortable. The assembly and disassembly is made simple, with no special tools being required. Set up takes 2 to 2 ½ hours while take down can be completed in 1 – 1 ½ hours.
2. The exhibit must contain graphic images related to each station. For instance, when students are inside the stomach station the interior walls of that station must look as though they are actually sitting inside the stomach.
Graphic production for this exhibit was extremely important. To ensure accuracy of each station, the graphic images were sent out to medical professionals who approved each and every one. Several rounds of changes and adjustments were made to be sure that everything was medically factual.
3. The exhibit must be able to fit into the multi-purpose room or gymnasium of a typical elementary school. Each of the stations must include enough space for at least 10 elementary students and 2 adults to comfortably sit on the floor of the exhibit.
While developing the floor plan of The Body Adventure exhibit, each of these factors needed to be accounted for. Our designers worked tirelessly on scaling the exhibit to not only fit inside of the room specifications, but ensuring that each of the stations contained adequate space. The exhibits’ total area is 40 feet by 50 feet. It fits easily into a typical elementary school gymnasium and each of the stations is large enough to be comfortable for all occupants.
The Body Adventure exhibit has become one of our most prized projects. We are proud of the positive impact this exhibit has had on the lives of children in Kansas. The changes made today will forever affect our future. Please contact us to be the catalyst for change in your state!
