Sure, education is part of the mission of most museums—along with conservation, appreciation, and the flaunting of civic pride. But Interior Design Hall of Fame member Rand Elliott scores an A+ for conceiving an entire museum as an educational tool. Inside a 1927 neoclassical mansion, Elliott developed what he calls his Bookends concept, juxtaposing old and new to tell his native state's story through its people. To teach visitors about the five characteristics of an Oklahoman—perseverance, pioneer spirit, optimism, generosity, individualism—he didn't offer the conventional reading room. Instead, his touch-screen displays feature real Oklahomans, famous and not-so-famous, who personify these traits. “The idea began as an effort to showcase the energy of youth and the wisdom of maturity, creating enthusiasm for the future and respect for our past,” he says. Visitors can also share stories about their own personal heritage by recording a video in a glass booth.
PROJECT Friedman Study Center, Providence, Rhode Island.
STANDOUT Resin panels, strung on stainless-steel cables, create curtains that delineate zones without blocking sunlight at Brown University's Sciences Library.
Sure, education is part of the mission of most museums—along with conservation, appreciation, and the flaunting of civic pride. But Interior Design Hall of Fame member Rand Elliott scores an A+ for conceiving an entire museum as an educational tool. Inside a 1927 neoclassical mansion, Elliott developed what he calls his Bookends concept, juxtaposing old and new to tell his native state's story through its people. To teach visitors about the five characteristics of an Oklahoman—perseverance, pioneer spirit, optimism, generosity, individualism—he didn't offer the conventional reading room. Instead, his touch-screen displays feature real Oklahomans, famous and not-so-famous, who personify these traits. “The idea began as an effort to showcase the energy of youth and the wisdom of maturity, creating enthusiasm for the future and respect for our past,” he says. Visitors can also share stories about their own personal heritage by recording a video in a glass booth.
