COSI - Center of Science and
Industry Museum
Columbus, Ohio


Client: Center of Science and Industry
and the State of Ohio
Project type: New Construction
Opening: November 1999
Construction Cost: $125 million
Architects: Arata Isozaki & Associates,
Japan & NBBJ, Columbus, Ohio
General Contractor: Ruscilli Construction
AD Scope: Acoustics, Audio, MATV

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COSI is not just a museum but a collection of "Learning Worlds" - scientifically themed fantasy environments. There is an underwater world complete with waterfalls and faux submarines, 19th- and 20th century evocations of a "typical" Main Street and a gadget-filled room meant to look like a laboratory. The exhibit environments are nearly indistinguishable from their more commercial equivalents in shopping malls or amusement parks.

The directive from the client was to “fascinate, inform and inspire us all.” AD provided full audio support, MATV, video routing, and tie-lines and accommodations for the exhibits building-wide. We also provided acoustics and audio systems for the THX theatres.