STS.035 Exhibiting Science

Spring 2016 schedule
Lecture: Mon 1-3pm
Lab: Wed 1-3pm

HASS-A, 2-2-8 units
Prereq: One CI-H/CI-HW subject, permission of instructor
Preference to students who have taken STS.034
Enrollment limited to 20 (enrollment will be by lottery if more than 20 students register)
Instructors:
John Durant, MIT Museum Director & Adjunct Professor, STS Program
Seth Riskin, MIT Museum Studio Manager

Infinite MIT! Come develop exhibits to help celebrate MIT’s centenary here in Cambridge, for display just off the Infinite Corridor!

This is a small, project-based class where students learn the art of exhibiting by developing their own exhibits for display on the campus.

In spring 2014, STS.035 students developed their own kinetic sculptures, some of which are still on display in the MIT Museum. In spring 2015, STS.035 students developed Tech Life, a 30′ long, “roller coaster” representing the ups and downs, twists and turns of the MIT learning experience. Tech Life remains on display in the Compton Gallery, just off Memorial Lobby, where students continue to improve upon and add to the installation.

This year, STS.035 students will contribute to the celebrations of MIT’s centenary here in Cambridge by creating displays about some of the Institute’s most iconic spaces along the Infinite Corridor. Working in the new MIT Museum Studio (10-150, just off Memorial Lobby), students will receive mentorship from MIT architects, artists and historians and from the Museum’s technical team. The aim is to conceive, design, test, fabricate and mount visually fascinating exhibits, including original student works, that will be opened in time for Commencement 2016.

The class will combine short seminars, talks by practitioners and exhibit designers, and a great deal of hands-on exhibit development work. Most classes will be taught in the MIT Museum Studio where students will be provided with workspace, materials and equipment.

Space is limited on this project-based course, which is particularly suited to students with strong backgrounds in architecture & design, civil & mechanical engineering, and the visual arts.