2015 Galleries

The Spark Gallery pages are one of our most popular design destinations, with thousands of visitors each year. Check out some of the latest Spark entries, in the galleries below.

Galleries // 2015 Spark:Experience // Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the U.S. Senate

Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the U.S. Senate

Winner - Gold

Competition: Spark:Experience
Designer: Edwin Schlossberg - Principal
Design Type: Gaming, Social & Digital
Company / Organization / School: ESI Design
Website: esidesign.com
Team Members: Joe Karadin – Design Lead Clay Gish – Content and Program Designer Peter Vigeant – Simulation Experience Designer Jonathan Grimm – Art Director Michael Schneider – Systems Designer Richard Mullen – Project Manager Photography: Stephen Yang Video: Greene & Silver Control Group translated the design intent into actionable software applications that enable the interactive experience between the visitors, tablets and exhibits. Richard Lewis Media Group produced dynamic and engaging multimedia content for the exhibits, based on extensive historical research. Gigantic Mechanic designed and validated the game mechanics and rules to ensure the Senate Immersion Module is compelling for visitors 8th grade and older. The entire experience resides in a beautiful, 68,000 sq. ft. building designed by world-renowned architect Rafael Viñoly. Additional Design Credits: Systems Integration: Electrosonic Exhibit Fabrication: Maltbie Architect: RV Architects Structural Engineer: Le Messurier MEP/AV/FP/IT/Security Engineer: WSP Civil Engineer: Sasaki Landscape Architect: Sasaki Life Safety: Hughes Associates Parking and Transportation: Howard Stein Hudson Lighting Designer: One Lux Studio Specifications: Robert Schwartz & Associates Cost Estimating: Faithful & Gould Geotechnical: Haley & Aldrich, Inc.

E.M.K. Institute Sets New Model for Experience-Based Museum The Edward M. Kennedy Institute establishes a new model for a dynamic, ever-evolving museum environment, designed for learning hands-on through activities and events. The 40,000 SF Institute departs from the traditional concept of a museum; rather than focusing on presenting artifacts to tell a story fixed in time, ESI’s design fulfills the Senator’s vision for a new kind of cultural space, where people participate in experiences that expand their understanding of the Senate throughout history. Through imaginative use of interactive technologies, collaborative activities and highly visual and informative digital content, ESI created an immersive experience that directly engages visitors in the spirit of civic dialogue. Visitors don’t passively look at the institute’s exhibits, they become 'Senators-in-Training' for the day, using their tablets as a guiding 'Chief of Staff' as they experience a sequence of exhibits and engage with interactive media and fellow visitors. The last stop is a stunning, full-scale representation of the Senate Chamber. There, up to 100 visitors actively debate and negotiate in 'Today’s Vote' or the 'Senate Immersion Module,' working to pass legislation by combining the best of human interaction and innovative gaming-based technologies to build consensus.