Bold Futures at Dynamic Earth
This year, with thanks to funding from the UK Association for Science and Discovery centres, The Museums Association and Liminal Space, Dynamic Earth took part in the Bold Futures programme.
This programme of work gave Dynamic Earth staff the opportunity to work with community organisations to help reimagine part of the science centre, and also to deepen partnership working through empowering our audiences in bold new ways.
This programme explored possibilities in two areas:
- Explore the potential of transforming our former soft play area into a community space
- Design a Changing Places Toilet for visitors at Dynamic Earth. This is a specialist changing facility for people with complex and multiple disabilities, who require the help of one or two assistants.
6 community partners, representing a variety of backgrounds and experiences contributed:
- Get2Gether
- Multi Cultural Family Base (MCFB)
- Care for Carers
- Edinburgh Young Carers
- Euan’s Guide
- Tinderbox
Our partners provided insight to design a space that is genuinely accessible and suitable for all sorts of different requirements. Members of Get2Gether advised on the best type of tables to accommodate power chairs, Care 4 Carers members suggested a calm and quiet space to help people comfortably hear, and the young adults at MCFB advised us with their design expertise in natural tones and nature themes for decoration.
Each idea was presented to a project manager and designer who created a beautiful design incorporating as many ideas as physically possible, even including virtual ‘windows’ to give the feeling of natural light.
PAMIS, a Scottish disability advocacy organisation consulted with us to confirm how best to create a Changing Places facility that would meet national standards.
Karine, an accessibility ambassador for Euan’s Guide said:
“By taking part in events like this, we can help make something easier for people in the future. To consult with a venue that is actively interested in accessibility is brilliant and this kind of forward planning ensures that everyone can benefit from changes.”
