Kraemer Design + Production, a leading designer of children’s museum exhibitions, science centres, theme parks and entertainment centres, has joined forces again with The Children’s Museum of the Upstate (TCMU), South Carolina, for a design refresh of the Bib’s World outdoor playground.
The firm has been responsible for enhancing all the exhibit signage in the refurbishment. This follows previous work on Bib’s World in 2016 when Kraemer Design + Production (KD+P) worked on the concept through design development and graphic design.
Bib’s World
The Children’s Museum of the Upstate (TCMU) is one of the largest children’s museums in the US. Its outdoor playground is named after Bibendum – better known as the Michelin Man.
Bib’s World is the first wheelchair-accessible outdoor playground in North America. Here, children can enjoy a climbing tower made of Michelin tyres, a double-height vibrantly coloured play structure, and an accessible merry-go-round. Wheelchair access is provided to the upper levels via a lift.
Returning to refurb
The TCMU led the refurbishment of Bib’s World. The team deep-cleaned the attraction, replaced surfaces and updated the equipment. New, brightly coloured interactives were added for toddlers.
KD+P’s role was to refresh all of the signage, including a new timeline of Michelin history to celebrate the brand’s 50th anniversary in South Carolina.
The updated signage aims to introduce kids to the idea of “motion” and how it permeates every aspect of our lives. It was created in close collaboration with the TCMU and Michelin teams. New entrance panels depict many types of transportation, emphasising the importance of transport to communities. The panels describe how Michelin is a key part of making all of these forms of transportation work.
Lauren Luneckas, chief executive officer, TCMU, says: “Kraemer Design + Production was integral in the initial design of Bib’s World in 2016, and we were thrilled to work with our trusted, long-time partners again to refresh the space. KD+P perfectly executed the playful and professional result we desired by seamlessly integrating Michelin North America’s priorities and TCMU’s brand through redesigned signage.”
Kraemer Design + Production recently took part in PlayCore’s twice-yearly Day of Caring. The first event for 2023 saw brands across the PlayCore family give their time to support their local communities, with KD+P employees helping at a local food pantry.
Image: Ashley Sutherland for The Children’s Museum of the Upstate.
