Unusual Projects was appointed as the Principal Contractor responsible for delivering the design and build of this new hands-on interactive STEM Learning centre. The early-stage concept work has been subcontracted by Unusual Projects to the in-house design team at Glasgow Science Centre (GSC) who we have partnered with on many previous projects successfully. Who knows what a science centre needs more than another science centre!

The team at GSC worked very closely with the new team from Moray to fully understand the aims and aspirations for the centre. Elgin Library will be the first venue in Moray to host a specialist STEM facility, a base for interactive and curriculum-aligned learning experiences primarily for children in early years and primary school. The project aims to spark curiosity, build confidence and nurture a lifelong interest in STEM that could inspire future career choices.

 Co Design has been a factor in the concept design stage, with the GSC team bringing on board their team of young contributors to review the initial proposals. The design has predominately been informed by GSC knowledge from first hand delivery of numerous new exhibitions and exhibits, which combined with Unusual Projects continual feasibility and cost reviews during the early stages led to a cohesive and deliverable design phase.

 Key stakeholders include Early Learning & Childcare Groups, Childminders and Home Educators, Primary School Groups (P1-P4), Families, Primary Schools Groups (P5-7), Secondary School Groups, Employers and Industry Volunteers, Community Groups and Volunteers, Corporate Clients (private events). We understand that it is of critical important to understand key considerations and thoughts from these groups as early as possible in the process to inform he design intent and direction. GSC worked with Moray Council to engage, hear, understand and manage the expectations in some cases of these key stakeholders during organised sessions.

 Due to the open dialogue encouraged by Unusual Projects, the project has run very smoothly. Any potential issues highlighted have been avoided or managed by early identification. At tender stage, Unusual Projects and GSC both had concerns about managing clients’ expectations due to the high amount of AV based exhibits and some expensive buy in kit which was not achievable for the budget stated nor did it offer good value for money or long-term reliability. However, early-stage conversations, examples provided, and alternatives discussed ensured that the client team fully understood the risks to the budget (and therefore project success) and worked with us to mitigate the risks identified.