COSI and PGAV Destinations Partner to Support Creation of New Science Centers
COSI+PGAV Global Aims to Improve Science Education in Developing Nations
(St. Louis, MO – October 7, 2014) – The Center of Science and Industry (COSI) and PGAV Destinations are proud to announce a brand new partnership, COSI+PGAV Global, to strategically advance the development of informal science education in developing countries around the world.
“To meet the demands of our 21st century, all communities need to be scientifically literate – able to understand their world and compete in a global society driven by technology and rapidly changing scientific discoveries,” said COSI president and CEO David Chesebrough. “Today more than ever, science education is one of the keys that unlock the doors of opportunity and understanding so that people can make healthy and sustainable personal and societal choices. Science centers and museums serve as portals to science, technology, history, culture and other disciplines that awaken a thirst for learning and create a common language around the globe.”
This new joint venture aims to provide full-service consulting for emerging science centers including architecture, exhibit design, operations, revenue generation, management consulting, marketing, fundraising, and education programs. The partnership establishes an unprecedented union of industry leadership, joining two of the world’s greatest science centers and destination design firms.
“We began discussing this possibility with COSI earlier in 2014, and through that dialogue began a realization of our complementary skills and strengths that could make an incredible impact on the global need for better science education,” said PGAV Destinations principal and chair Mike Konzen. “We find that there are many locations around the world seeking professional guidance to develop science centers from the ground up to grow a STEM-literate population, but they’re restricted by either a lack of experience or resources. The combined resources of COSI and PGAV Destinations will strengthen the ability of communities and countries to create science centers that will inspire their citizens.”
PGAV and COSI foresee an unprecedented growth of informal science education in the next twenty years through newly envisioned science centers across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and South America. Leaders will be seeking expertise and guidance to create informal learning experiences that reflect their cultures and stories coupled with dynamic exhibits, impactful programs, and sound business operations. COSI+PGAV Global will be working with regional governments, universities, tourism boards, and philanthropists over the course of the following year to identify key opportunities for development and begin to craft strategic master plans to create world-class, science-education destinations.
Representatives from both COSI and PGAV Destinations will attend this month’s national Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC) annual conference, and anticipate sharing further details about this exciting new partnership with the industry. #COSIPlusPGAV
About PGAV Destinations
PGAV Destinations is a global leader in the planning and design of unique destinations. Now in its fifth decade, the practice has evolved to become the ideal destination-consulting partner, skilled at developing growth-oriented master plans and translating those plans into successful projects. No other firm offers such an integrated approach to destination planning.
PGAV’s key clients include industry leaders such as Delaware North Companies, SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, the Biltmore Companies, Bass Pro Shops, Ameristar Casinos, Universal Studios, The Gettysburg Foundation, the Saint Louis Zoo, and many others. Recent assignments include planning and design at many of the world’s “must see” destinations, including the Grand Canyon, Biltmore Estate, Space Shuttle Atlantis, Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, the Georgia Aquarium, the Hoover Dam, and SeaWorld Adventure Parks. www.PGAVDestinations.com
About COSI
COSI, the Center of Science and Industry, located in Columbus, Ohio, is a 320,000-square-foot hands-on science-technology center with 50 years of award-winning expertise in providing engaging learning experiences to individuals and families, inspiring them to learn more about science and understand their world. COSI promotes science literacy within its facility and beyond, through traveling exhibitions, interactive videoconferencing and outreach programs that serve students and teachers across Ohio, throughout the U.S., and internationally. Since opening in 1964 COSI has welcomed and engaged over 31 million guests and participants. COSI has won numerous awards including being named the #1 Science Center in the U.S. by Parents Magazine in 2008.
COSI’s distinctive business model is a “Center of Science” concept. This is accomplished through a combination of unique in-building partnerships including The Ohio State University’s three working research laboratories; a full-service HDTV broadcast station and a robust research department, international in scope with a combination of COSI and OSU research staff. This model is based on being more than a stand-alone science center; it is one that is relationship-driven with embedded and integrated partners from industry, universities and other organizations to create unparalleled experiences showcasing and inspiring real and relevant science. For more information about COSI, visit http://www.cosi.org.
To learn more about COSI+PGAV Global, contact Diane Lochner, vice president at PGAV Destinations, at Diane.Lochner@pgav.com or (314) 231-7318.
