MuseumNext 2016: Is virtual reality for chickens the best way to ignite interest in science?
In his last day as CEO of Science Gallery International, Michael John Gorman addressed delegates at MuseumNext in Dublin, demonstrating how to use the abstract – such as virtual reality for chickens – to start a debate within a museum setting.
Starting as a small part of Trinity College Dublin and now growing as a global network which will comprise eight galleries worldwide by 2020, Gorman has shaped the institution as its founding director and then CEO into an attraction that welcomes more than 400,000 people annually.
“The Trinity College decided to do a very bold experiment in 2007 – to create a space where unique ideas could be tested,” said Gorman. “It was a space that connected Trinity with the city.
“We talk about Science Gallery as a place where science and art collide. It was a real journey to get the scientists to get on board with this idea. Originally it was a space designed to teach the ‘ignorant public’ the truth of science. We had to go on a real journey with scientists to say that it was about opening up science and the future to conversation at the boundaries between science and art.”
Gorman then detailed several unique concepts that have been displayed at the Science Gallery, a project known as “Second Livestock” among the most unique.
“It’s virtual reality for chickens,” said Gorman explaining the project. “I think it’s a wonderful example of a project that provokes you and makes you think about what kind of future we want to live in. The idea is that battery chickens or battery hens could feel like free range chickens in VR. It’s great because it brings you into that space of conversation about what kind of world and what kind of industry do we want to have? It’s a conversation provocation.”
What Gorman said was at the heart of Science Gallery’s success, as exemplified by Second Livestock, is the institution’s three main principles when developing new concepts and exhibits.
Our core principals for everything we do at the Science Gallery are connection, participation and surprise,” he said.
“Every experience should offer a new opportunity for social connection. Participation is the idea that Science Gallery is the opportunity to get involved and to contribute, rather than just learn about what is going on in science and in art.
“Surprise – capturing people’s imagination – is the most difficult to sustain. Last week at the groundbreaking for Science Gallery London they decided ‘forget the pick axes and the shovels, let’s create a crystal made out of spit’. Everyone spat into a bucket and an artist will transform that into a crystal which will then become part of the foundation of the Science Gallery in London. That’s something rather unexpected I think you’ll agree and that’s what we mean by surprise.”
Gorman now moves on to a new role as professor at Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich and as founding director of the Bavarian Museum of Life Sciences and Natural History.
He remains involved with Science Gallery, becoming founding chair of the executive council of the Global Science Gallery Network, where he will work directly with the directors of each gallery in the emerging network.
Virtual Reality hickens Science Galleries Dublin MuseumNext 2016 Michael John Gorman Trinity College Dublin Science Gallery InternatioalMuseumNext 2016: Use museums as a tool for social change, says National Museums Liverpool director
MuseumNext names Burning Man CEO Marian Goodell as keynote speaker
All-star lineup revealed for MuseumNext in Dublin
MuseumNext prepares to make North American debut in Indianapolis
Revealed: How Minecraft can get more kids into museums and galleries
UAE’s first Dior Spa debuts in Dubai at Dorchester Collection’s newest hotel, The Lana
Europe's premier Evian Spa unveiled at Hôtel Royal in France
Clinique La Prairie unveils health resort in China after two-year project
GoCo Health Innovation City in Sweden plans to lead the world in delivering wellness and new science
Four Seasons announces luxury wellness resort and residences at Amaala
Aman sister brand Janu debuts in Tokyo with four-floor urban wellness retreat
€38m geothermal spa and leisure centre to revitalise Croatian city of Bjelovar
Two Santani eco-friendly wellness resorts coming to Oman, partnered with Omran Group
Kerzner shows confidence in its Siro wellness hotel concept, revealing plans to open 100
Ritz-Carlton, Portland unveils skyline spa inspired by unfolding petals of a rose
Rogers Stirk Harbour & Partners are just one of the names behind The Emory hotel London and Surrenne private members club
Peninsula Hot Springs unveils AUS$11.7m sister site in Australian outback
IWBI creates WELL for residential programme to inspire healthy living environments
Conrad Orlando unveils water-inspired spa oasis amid billion-dollar Evermore Resort complex
Studio A+ realises striking urban hot springs retreat in China's Shanxi Province
Populous reveals plans for major e-sports arena in Saudi Arabia
Wake The Tiger launches new 1,000sq m expansion
Othership CEO envisions its urban bathhouses in every city in North America
Merlin teams up with Hasbro and Lego to create Peppa Pig experiences
SHA Wellness unveils highly-anticipated Mexico outpost
One&Only One Za’abeel opens in Dubai featuring striking design by Nikken Sekkei
Luxury spa hotel, Calcot Manor, creates new Grain Store health club
'World's largest' indoor ski centre by 10 Design slated to open in 2025
Murrayshall Country Estate awarded planning permission for multi-million-pound spa and leisure centre
Aman's Janu hotel by Pelli Clarke & Partners will have 4,000sq m of wellness space
Therme Group confirms Incheon Golden Harbor location for South Korean wellbeing resort
Universal Studios eyes the UK for first European resort
King of Bhutan unveils masterplan for Mindfulness City, designed by BIG, Arup and Cistri
Rural locations are the next frontier for expansion for the health club sector
Tonik Associates designs new suburban model for high-end Third Space health and wellness club
Bionic leaves, breathable metals and selfgrowing bricks... Biomimicry in architecture has come a long way. Christopher DeWolf takes a look at the latest advances