Photograph by Doug Snower Photography. In the design process, this also extends to apportionment of realistic schedules and budgets. Frequently, pragmatic issues such as these may seem to overshadow issues of development or educational mission, or even inspirational aspirations of design. We have found that thoughtful and completely successful pragmatic resolutions invariably lead to wonderfully challenging and inspiring environments and museums. Often we have observed that overly focusing on inspirational criteria can lead to rather awkward ill-functioning conditions without much needed inherent flexibility.
Many museums are successful places for learning, of play, entertainment, and even retail experience.
So perhaps it isn't surprising that other types of institutions look toward the successes of museums in their interaction with children and care-givers. Recently, our team collaborated with Wolff Clements Landscape Architects and the Chicago Park District on the creation of a prototype neighborhood park at 63rd and Racine Streets in Chicago. In part, a project like this owes much to the ground-breaking explorations of children's museums. The creation of a beautiful park results from the creation of a nurturing haven providing experience and interaction for individuals, families and organizations in the community and neighborhoods of the city around it. The experience and interaction is inspired by the collaboration of voices in that community, the designers, and a committed park district.