BLDD prepared a comprehensive master plan, including site selection, programming, and concept design for a new children's museum. The program demanded a flexible space for changing participatory exhibits. The site is located in a 200-acre city park. A small-scale train provides stops at the museum, zoo, and botanical garden. The exterior has many decorative elements to announce its importance and its playfulness. Color, use of space, natural light, and materials all enhance the environment for children to learn, interact, and play.
Even mundane features, such as ductwork and support beams, were given vibrant and playful colors to emphasize fun within the space.
The Kidzeum of Health and Science is a three-story, 25,000 sf facility located in the nationally registered, historic buildings at 412, 414 and 416 East Adams Street in the Illinois capitol, Springfield. The Kidzeum of Health and Science is designed with a focus on fun and learning and is dedicated to teaching children of all abilities about health and science through discovery and play.
The Community Education Center at Heartland Community College is a 36,000 s.f. multi-purpose auditorium building. The facility includes a 434-seat auditorium that accommodates speech, choral, and musical presentations. Reconfigurable breakout spaces provide numerous possibilities for various size meetings. The facility also houses the Challenger Learning Center, an exploratory, space themed, learning program for children of all ages.
The 7,000-square-foot law enforcement-themed addition to the museum is the first expansion of the facility since it opened in Decatur, Illinois in 1995.