The SSA Group called upon RGLA to design the Center of Science and Industry (COSI) Museum Gift Shop as part of an extensive museum renovation program to enhance the experience of its store. The criteria was twofold…to extend the immersive quality of the museum experience into the gift shop while also furthering COSI’s mission of inspiring curiosity and passion for science.
From window displays that captivate and invite guests to explore with curiosity to a food experience like no other within the museum, this shop has it all. By designing an exhibit-like retail experience with multi-sensory components, we were able to elevate the shopping experience and create one last memorable impression for guests at the museum.
A mix of low-tech and high-tech interactive elements help to ensure guests are treated to a variety of hands-on experiences alongside the product displays including the Mission Control, the Fossil Dig interactive sand boxes and the Jumbo T-Rex that roars.
The Mission Control section combines digital displays and screens to create interactive games, along with switches, dynamic lighting, analog buttons and knobs, all together create a diverse experience unique to this space-themed portion of the store. Kids can experience the feeling of ‘lift-off’ in their very own space mission.
The AR sandbox allows kids to dig and play while learning about dinosaurs and Earth’s inner core. Projected lights and sensors work off the varying sand depth to reflect the multiple layers of planet earth’s core. The 10′ tall Low Poly T-Rex sculpture serves as a backdrop to the fossil dig, providing themed photo-op moment for dinosaur fans. The Prehistoric Diorama Window Feature provides a focal into the space as well as a playful extension of the dinosaur exhibit directly across from the shop’s entrance. This serves as a complimentary framing for the Fossil Dig, as well as providing a unique perspective from both inside and outside the space.
One of the most significant design components is the addition of the Absolute Zero ice cream bar. This full-service, nitrogen ice cream outlet adds a sense of curiosity and enhances the store’s scientific theming. Randomly placed holographic tile at this ice cream bar creates a modern design to mimic the space theming, which helps give an otherworldly effect to the “outer space” portion of the store.
The unique blend of colors, graphics and finishes, from earth tones and cork representing the prehistoric dinosaurs to the dichroic and colorful materials, help make the space visually captivating yet balanced. The circular pattern on the floor following an orbital planetary model highlights and helps direct customers to the self-checkout zone in the center of the space.