In designing an educational design centre for young minds, the question that Tilman Thurmer, founder and CEO of COORDINATION Asia clearly sought to address was this: how can one make the act of learning fun and memorable, and – dare we say – even ‘cool’?

Housed in a former 2,000 square metre workshop in G+Park – Shanghai’s rapidly expanding creative enclave – the new Kids Museum of Glass is a highly creative and interactive environment where children can get educated on all aspects of glass through a myriad channels such as art, design, performances, films and games.

The museum is marked by kaleidoscopic patterns, natural, sustainable materials and sleek blackened glass surfaces. Street inspired materials such as plywood and sterling board give the space an edgy, playful and welcoming vibe.

The exhibition is built up as a ‘glass city’ and consists of various zones that are themed with easy to grasp city analogies such as ‘The Beach’, ‘The Circus’ and ‘The Factory’. Children are confronted with snack-sized information while they engage with different glass-themed installations.

As an experience, the museum is intuition-based, inviting children to explore the topic of glass independently. Easy to use multimedia installations encourage young minds to touch and play: simple actions and gestures allow them to discover for example, how lightning can create glass, how a glass prism works or what smart glass it. In between playing and learning, they can relax and watch a film in the integrated Fire Theatre or Up-Cycling Theatre.

Additionally, visitors can try out activities and buy objects that they see in the museum at the DIY Workshop and Gift Shop respectively. There’s even a Party Space catered to events, and two integrated Cafés where one can go to unwind.

In all aspects, Tilman Thurmer has made this new generation museum for kids a true playground for learning.

COORDINATION Asia
coordination.asia