Exhibits Case Studies

Madison Children's Museum

100 State Street
Madison, WI 53703

608.251.6097 (p)
608.268.1398 (f)
John Robinson (contact)
jrobinson@madisonchildrensmuseum.org (e)

http://www.madisonchildrensmuseum.org

• Institutional Sustainability Mission
• Sustainability Guidelines for Contractors
• Learning from Leopold and Seuss, (pdf) Brenda Baker (Madison Children’s Museum), Guest Editor, Hand to Hand, volume 20, Spring 2006
• Seeing Green, (pdf) Jeremy Schoolfield, Fun World, The International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions, June 2005
• "The Sustainable Museum: It's Not Easy Being Green," (pdf) Brenda Baker and John Robinson, Hand to Hand, volume 14, Winter 2000

Rooftop Ramble

Project Size: 4,278

Project Budget: $98/sq. ft.

Exhibit/Project Description:
Rooftop Ramble, our year-round green roof and outdoor play-space will focus on alternative energy as well as sustainable agriculture and community culture. Featuring photovoltaic displays, rain barrels, wind generators, cultural vegetable gardens, an urban chicken coop, clubhouse, native plantings, a stream, and a natural building area, this exhibit aims to promote cultural sustainability while connecting children to the outside world.

Factors Affecting Decision to "Go Green":
Without a connection to the natural world, many children brought up in urban settings are prone to biophobia and what has come to be known as “nature deficit disorder”. This degradation of children’s interactions with the natural world can compromise children’s development while decreasing their ability to see how they are affected by the environment and how they affect the environment themselves. With this in mind, and given our responsibilities as a primarily indoor, urban venue, MCM has set a goal of providing numerous natural spaces for children to explore the natural world within our urban setting.

Distinguishing green features:  
The cultural gardens displayed as part of the rooftop will focus on the social aspects of sustainability as they teach children about sustainable agriculture practices employed by the various native and immigrant cultures that call Wisconsin home. Meanwhile, photovoltaics and a demonstration wind turbine on the roof will show a direct relationship between renewable energy production and consumer usage.

Green products used:

• Reclaimed green house
• Salvaged bleacher boards used on walls of clubhouse
• Reclaimed Trex plastic lumber
• Native plantings
• Solar lighting and solar powered exhibits
• Rain barrels
• Wind Turbine and wind-powered exhibits
• Vermiculture
• Composters
• Sustainable urban agricultural practices
• Sustainable urban livestock demonstration

Piece of advice for others regarding project:
Sustainability extends far beyond the materials we use for exhibits and buildings. Living in a truly sustainable way involves evaluating how you achieve your daily goals and staying connected with one’s sense of self. Where does your energy come from? How do you get your food? What wisdom can be gained by exploring the communal knowledge of various cultures? Renewable energy, local agriculture and exploring one’s cultural background helps people become self sufficient while also helping the environment.

New or Upcoming Green Projects:
Each of the three ‘green exhibits’ featured in MCM’s new building will explore a different aspect of sustainability: Local goods, material re-use and renewable energy, along with cultural sustainability throughout.