LAB GOLISANO CHILDREN’S MUSEUM-AWARD WINNER

The directors of the Golisano Children’s Museum in Naples, Florida were looking to make improvements to their young museum. Ever since the museum opened its doors in 2012, it has attracted many visitors. But, they felt the needed to expand and adapt to their growing audience. Specifically, they felt that the 2nd floor was underutilized and they needed a great space to attract the “older” ages 7-12 kids.

A space to Learn And Play

Our firm was selected through a closed, design competition, created by the Children’s Museum of Naples. The brief was to transform an existing and underused part of the museum. The space was initially used as classrooms, this area had the opportunity to become a place that would be inviting and flexible for different types of hands-on experiences. The client also needed more storage and shade for the terrace. The existing terrace was never used because of the hot Florida, south sun not offering any shade.

The floor plan is organized to be flexible and add lots of storage. The theme was to create a workshop, that looked industrial but still a fun space to be in. The 24 foot wide overhead door is used as a divider, to create a separate class room. A fun hide out is provided by the loft. The terrace was redone and the big trellis structure provides plenty of shade.