Client

Edinburgh International Science Festival

Project

Set Construction and Installation for the Wee Wonders and Forestry Commission area and design and build of a Wind Tunnel landscape.

Background

The Edinburgh Science Festival is a prestigious event that has run in Edinburgh for over 20 years. Known for showcasing the latest science and technology developments and for making science accessible to children and young adults, it regularly draws 60,000 visitors annually. In 2009 the festival had a new home in the City Arts Centre.

Brief

Big House Events were commissioned to build set pieces for the Wee Wonders area, the Forrestry Commission area and a Wind Tunnel landscape for the renewable energy area. Exhibits had to be installed in sections over two levels of the City Arts Centre.

Outcome

Wee Wonders

From an empty dark basement area to a vibrant and exciting space for young children, this area was transformed from designs by Claire Halleran. The area was designed to accommodate children of 6 years and under. The resulting playful area perfectly captured the theme given of Aunties House.

Forestry Commission Area

Designer Brian Hartley created a range of exhibition stands and a woodland graphic backdrop to create an area in which to communicate sustainable forestry practices. Big House Events worked with Brian to shape and build the set pieces using usustainable sourced timber.

Wind Tunnel

The Wind Tunnel was a labour of love! Built over several days with great attention to detail by designer Gordon Davidson, the wind tunnel landscape was built by constructing layers of carefully shaped plywood. It was then fitted with small wind turbines activated by wind flowing through the sealed structure. The wind tunnel structure communicated how wind turbines can be used to generate power.