>Bill Stirrat >At the Science Museum of Minnesota we're prototyping a combined >classroom/exhibit space in one of our exhibit halls.... I'd love to hear >from >anyone who has had any experience with multi-use spaces like this. At the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago there are Learning Labs: Multi-purpose spaces that are used by school groups in the mornings and then visitors in the afternoons and on weekends. There were a lot of issues to consider in developing and designing these spaces--so I won't bore the list with all the details. Some the solutions included rotating text, two-version software, a wall-to-wall white board, and glass doors with very obvious signage. We did a couple conference presentations regarding the development and design of such multi-purpose spaces, and you may still be able to get the tape from: Hellenga, R., Ellenbogen, K., & Thompson, T. (1994, April). Exhibit Design vs. Board of Education: Creating Exhibits that Respond to the Needs of Schools. Panel conducted at the American Association of Museums (AAM) 89th Annual Meeting, Seattle, WA. I'd love to chat about all the details with you off list! -Kirsten (formerly of the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago) ____________________________________________________________________________ Kirsten Ellenbogen Graduate Research Assistant Office Phone: (615) 343-0531 Science Education Journal E-mail: [log in to unmask] Box 506, Peabody College Vanderbilt University Nashville, TN 37203 ___________________________________________________________________________