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Exhibits Case Studies

Madison Children's Museum

100 State Street
Madison, WI 53703

608.256.6445 (p)
608.268.1398 (f)
John Robinson (contact)
jrobinson@madisonchildrensmuseum.org (e)

http://www.madisonchildrensmuseum.org

First Feats: Celebrating The Early Years

Project Size: 1,000 sq. ft.
Project Budget: $120,000 total ($116.00 per sq. ft.)

Exhibit/Project Description:
First Feats is the Madison Children's Museum's award-winning early learning gallery and the Museum's first such space built entirely of non-synthetic, sustainable materials. The decision to "go green" was fueled by the project's primary goal: to create a truly safe, healthy and sensory-rich exploratory environment for young children. The project's green design and aesthetic appeal combine to reinforce the sort of healthy, open-ended learning we envisioned for the space. The gallery has proven exceptionally safe, durable and extremely popular with visitors.

Factors Affecting Decision to "Go Green":
Early research during the development of First Feats revealed compelling data regarding children's health, and the many factors that make indoor air pollution such a serious problem for children. In creating an environment that was truly kid safe, it was deemed critical by staff and community advisors that we develop a new model for creating safe, engaging and nurturing spaces for our young audience. Since 1999, all MCM's exhibits have incorporated sustainable design practices, and MCM's board of directors approved a Sustainability Statement in 2004.

Awards or honors:
ACM/Metropolitan Life Foundation Promising Practices Award 1999.

Distinguishing green features:

  • Recycled Douglas fir flooring replaced 1,000 sq. ft. of carpeting
  • Enhanced day lighting and replacement of fluorescent lighting with full spectrum lighting
  • Sealed plywood sub-floor is V.O.C.-free
  • Plexiglas replaced with tempered glass
  • Zero-V.O.C. paints and stains used throughout
  • Straw/clay structural walls
  • Straw/clay wall finishes
  • Organic wool or jute area rugs
  • Organic cotton futon in infant area
  • Organic cotton fabrics used throughout
  • Bio-regionally harvested hardwoods
  • Handmade wooden toys and furniture
  • Local willow seating in Parent Resource Center
  • Silk, wool and organic dyes used for several components
  • Local stone used for water play area
  • Soy based ink used on wood signs
  • Stain glass windows incorporating found objects
  • Front entrance incorporating salvaged objects

Green products used:

  • Safecoat Paints
  • Livos stains
  • Organic Cotton Alternatives Futon

Piece of advice for others regarding project:
Look around! Chances are your community is well supplied with dedicated, knowledgeable people working to advance the cause of sustainable design and building practices. Green building is becoming increasingly mainstream as individuals, businesses and community organizations gain familiarity with the many benefits these practices offer.

New or Upcoming Green Projects:
Since the opening of First Feats, MCM has been slowly renovating other galleries and incorporating more sustainable practices into all of our exhibit development and operational strategies. As we prepare to expand into a new and larger facility we will bring our sustainability mission to the design process for both the building and all new exhibits.