Describe your collaborative partnership

In 2009, the concept “Day after tomorrow-city” (“Übermorgenstadt”), which was developed by the City of Oldenburg, convinced the German Foundation of the German Science and Oldenburg received the title “City of Science 2009”.

Within the framework of the sub-projects called “Energy for the day after tomorrow” and “The Smart House” the science-box came into existence. The different interactive exhibits inform about Renewable Energy, Future-Oriented Living and Ambiant Assistant Living.

The Science-box was a collaboration output between

• Agency “Pankau” exhibition design
• Energy provider EWE AG

Scientific institutions

• Institute for Information Technology OFFIS
• Institute of Semiconductor of the Carl von Ossietzky University
• Institute of Energy Research Next Energy

Anymore

• City of Oldenburg / project office “City of Science”

These partners collaborated to create and implement the science-box and to prepare and realise the ideas into attractive and effective exhibits for visitors.

Provide evidence of your success

The Science-Box attracted thousands of visitors; it was for free. It provided information about Renewable Energy and Future-Oriented Living and invited the visitors to discuss the topics. Already during the concept phase the participating companies and the Carl von Ossietzky University were very impressed of the Science-Box. The consequence was the decision to build the “The Smart House”, where the subject of renewable energy could be presented permanently.

Currently “The Smart House” is in construction at the Schlossplatz 16 in the oldest house of Oldenburg, which includes an attractive new building with energy+ standard and will be opened in 2012. It will be a location for (science-) communication, information and discussion about energy and future-oriented living. Thus the science-box has made a major contribution to the generation of “The Smart House”.

Why is your collaboration special and not a typical client-customer relationship?

The collaboration was special, because the project was not originated to produce profit and most of the project partners have operated for free. They developed the concept of the science box together and identified and worked out the topics. The partners yielded information and through a creative process they developed concepts for the exhibits, which presented the topics in an attractive and playful way. At this point, the power of business, creativity, science and administration had a strong influence on one versatile product, which sent an appeal to dissimilar visitors and different age groups.

Websites

• Studio / Agency: www.ausstellungsdesign.net
• Client: www.physik.uni-oldenburg.de / www.next-energy.de / www.offis.de / www.ewe.de / www.uebermorgenstadt.de / www.oldenburg.de