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� Telus World of Science, Edmonton, Alberta
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Working with the Centre�s previous President and CEO, George Smith, Ian took on the role of Project Manager for a major expansion project, including an innovative Digital Visualization Theatre, an Early Childhood Development Centre, expanded and upgraded IMAX theatre, a Science Learning and Dialogue Centre, an outdoor science park - as well as preliminary planning for the Canadian Circumpolar Science exhibition. Much of this was completed in 2015, making it one of the most advanced science education facilities in Canada, and beyond. The innovations go beyond public education to include research capabilities � with significant partnerships involving University of Alberta, NAIT, Telus, and many institutions. Ian�s close relationship with this institution continues; among other initiatives, TELUS World of Science - Edmonton will host the International Planetarium Society�s global conference in 2020, and Ian is closely involved with the planning for that significant event. |
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| � Houston Astrodome, Texas |
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Right image: Proposed new STEM Centre in the old Houston Astrodome. Ian McLennan, consultant to Harris County through Jackson Ryan Architects, Houston. |
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The Houston Astrodome is one of the world�s most recognizable buildings, but it has outlived its usefulness as a major sports stadium, so Harris County brought Ian to Houston on a number of occasions to conduct a detailed options analysis for re-purposing this revered iconic structure. Working with architects Guy Jackson and Gary Wilson, County executive Willie Loston and fellow consultants Gordon Linden, Phil Hettema and George Wiktor, the group proposed a major STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education facility.The Astrodome has since been granted special status as a Texas historical landmark. |
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| � Planetarium de Montr�al, Quebec |
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Ian worked as a resource consultant to GO Multimedia, Inc. of Montreal, providing technical planning and options analysis for the design and construction of a brand new planetarium in Montreal - which replaced the venerable Dow Planetarium that served the city over four decades. His associates at GO Multimedia were Guy Desmarteux, Simon Lemieux and Julie Quenneville. In addition to GO Multimedia, Ian worked with architect Jean-Francois Julien, Associate - Cardin-Ramirez-Julien (Montreal) as well as Pierre Lacombe and Dr. Pierre Chastenay, on the twin theatre Montreal Planetarium project.
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| � Science North, Sudbury |
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Right image: CEO Jim Marchbank, Project Manager Nicole Chiasson, Consultant Ian McLennan |
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Ian provided on-site and remote consulting services for Science North in Sudbury, Ontario � in connection with the design and development of a new planetarium facility for this trail-blazing science centre. Ian worked with executive director Jim Marchbank and Nicole Chiasson, director of education and northern programs at Science North. |
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| � Telus World of Science Calgary + Creative Kids Museum, Calgary, Alberta |
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Ian has worked as a consultant with this institution over many years, including Board workshops on planning priorities, and liaising with the work of other consultants, notably, Kasian Architects (Bill Chomik), White Oak Associates, and Lori Van Rooijen. Under the initiating leadership of Bill Peters, the solutions ultimately recommended were adopted The new $160 million science centre opened to the public under new management in 2011. |
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| � Children's Museum of Jordan, Amman |
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Ian provided professional consulting services to the Children's Museum of Jordan, in Amman. When the new museum was opened in 2008, there was provision made for a planetarium, but that project was put on hold pending further study. Working with the then visionary and energetic director, Nissreen Haram and her talented team, Ian took the organization through a detailed options analysis with a range of alternative possibilities � including an object theatre, feature themed ride, hi-def theatre, digital visualization space or a state-of-the-art modern planetarium, focussed on Arabic science. The museum's patron is Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan. |
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| � Royal Observatory Greenwich, England |
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Royal Observatory Greenwich (ROG) is operated under the National Maritime Museum (NMM) in Greenwich, East London, United Kingdom. ROG inaugurated a new facility, the Peter Harrison Planetarium � which was under-performing with respect to internal and public expectations. Ian was engaged by Kevin Fewster, NMM Director, to conduct an overview analysis, to audit the programming, to interview key personnel and assemble a series of staff, management and trustee-level workshops to explore and implement incremental technical, design, programming and administrative refinements. |
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| � Fraser River Discovery Centre, New Westminster, B.C. |
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The Fraser River Discovery Centre (FRDC) has had a Preview Centre in operation on the beautiful and historic New Westminster waterfront for several years. A more permanent structure was planned, and Ian was asked to conduct a business feasibility plan for the new, expanded operation. Ian worked with fellow consultants, the late Bill Barkley of Victoria and David Hall of Economic Planning Group (EPG) as well as liaising with architect Anthony Boni and exhibits designer David Jensen. The team worked closely with FRDC Chair Jack Edwards, Vice Chair Karen Baker-MacGrotty and several other members of their board and staff, including historian Archie Miller, interim CEO.
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| � OK (Okanagan) Science Centre, Vernon, B.C. |
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Under the leadership of the Centre�s Manager, Sandi Dixon, Ian conducted a series of capacity-building internal workshops for the board and staff of this BC central interior institution� liaising with exhibition designer David Jensen, D. Jensen & Associates of Vancouver.
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| � Heritage Park Historical Village, Calgary, Alberta |
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Ian�s associated architectural consultant, Bill Chomik of Kasian Architecture and Design, had a commission from this society to help upgrade and modernize the facility, while retaining its heritage authenticity. Ian and Bill conducted internal workshops for the board, staff and volunteers of the Village society in which guiding principles and crucial operating conditions were anticipated as an integral part of the planning process.
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| � Proposed National Maritime Centre, North Vancouver, B.C. |
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Courtesy Aldrich/Pears Design |
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Partnerships B.C. and Project Manager Jennifer Clarke hired architect Simon Richards of Cornerstone Planning Group to conduct an overview of the major studies and inputs into this mammoth new project on the historic World War II shipyards building site in North Vancouver � overlooking the main part of Vancouver across the busy harbour. Simon asked Ian to provide specific input, review and advice relative to the museological and public programming aspects of this proposed new institution. The combined report, observations and recommendations were accepted by the central planning group and various levels of government, and later, the waterfront site was under development, including the North Vancouver Museum � incorporating many of the ideas and elements of the proposed maritime centre. |
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| � Quesnel & District Museum, Quesnel, B.C. |
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Ian was part of a team consisting of architect Anthony Boni, exhibition designer David Jensen and museum consultant, the late Bill Barkley � providing consulting services on upgrading, expanding and re-branding this museum �gem� situated in the scenic Cariboo tourist area of northern British Columbia. The team explored a variety of options, then conducted public consultations in the community�s City Hall. |
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| � Nanaimo District Museum, Nanaimo, B.C. |
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Under the energetic leadership of its then managing director, Debbie Trueman, this important regional museum was redeveloped and modernized as part of the City of Nanaimo�s new conference centre project on the city�s beautiful downtown harbour. Ian commuted regularly by floatplane to join his co-consultants, the late Bill Barkley and architect Anthony Boni to provide advice on space planning, budgeting, creative exhibition development, governance, fund raising and integrated involvement of First Nations in the planning process. The new museum opened in 2008. |
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� Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles, California
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This long-standing client has used Ian�s services in a variety of ways. In 1984, he wrote a report which became the conceptual blueprint for a major, long-term re-development. Over several years, Ian assisted this venerable institution by acting as advisor on theatre planning options, the purchase of planetarium equipment (drafting objective criteria), organizing and chairing workshops on planning priorities, and co-directing the process of selecting an exhibits designer. The new operation re-opened to rave reviews in November 2006 after a four year closure and $78 million reconstruction.
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� Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii, Hilo, Hawaii
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Ian performed several functions for this important new interpretive facility which opened earlier in 2006� (1) acting as advisor to Aldrich|Pears on exhibition design/ content review; (2) technical advisor to architects Durrant Media 5, Honolulu and Oda-McCarty, Hilo; (3) Program advisor to Mauna Kea Astronomy Education Center; (4) fund development consultant to the University of Hawaii Foundation, Honolulu and Hilo; and (5) review specialist on the facility�s first planetarium production. Ian participated in the re-dedication of the project in January, 2008. |
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� Ontario Science Centre, Toronto, Ontario
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Ontario Science Centre is universally acknowledged as one of the two seminal contemporary science centres in the world. The facility included a small planetarium �STAR LAB� � considered by many to be a �gem.� Ian was contracted to study and recommend programming and technical options to help bring the facility into the digital age and to re-establish its crucial role within OSC for school and public education in astronomy, cosmology and space. The new facility was unveiled by Canada's first astronaut, Dr. Marc Garneau. It has since been notable for its innovative and spectacularly successful pre-school astronomy programming. |
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� University of Arizona Science Center, Tucson, Arizona
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Images courtesy of Rafael Vinoly, Architects (Left)| Ralph Appelbaum Associates (Right)
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The world-renowned architect Rafael Vinoly was engaged in the redevelopment of Flandrau Planetarium � which was to be integrated into a significant new science museum on a spectacular setting overlooking downtown Tucson. Ian originally worked with Garry Musgrave, principal of Conceptron Associates (Acumen Engineering) on options analysis and specifications authorship, and then sub-contracted through White Oak Associates and Mark B. Peterson, theatre planning specialist, to provide technical and programming options. Andrea Lamberti was project manager for the architects and Michael Magee remains the planetarium director. |
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� Science East, Fredericton, New Brunswick
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Ian was brought in to review the operation of this small, but popular regional science centre � which is housed in the historic Fredericton jailhouse, dating back to the 1840s. Through a board-management-staff-volunteer workshop, Ian facilitated a systematic approach to governance and assessment of development options for the future of the centre, including suggested positioning as the Provincial Science Centre. Ian�s consulting partner, Bill Peters, has since taken over this file, providing on-going governance, administrative and technical advice to the Science East director, Dr. David Desjardins.
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| � The Exploration Place, Prince George, B.C. |
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(Formerly known as Fraser Ft. George Regional Museum)� Ian was involved in conceptualizing and priorities & goal-setting for the re-development and upgrading of this important regional institution. He also headed a capacity-building review with the assistance of fellow consultants, the late Bill Barkley and Dr. Robert Janes. Ian began his work on this project under the late George Phillips, and more recently with the current Executive Director, Tracy Calogheros. |
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� Eugenides Foundation, Athens, Greece
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This classic science museum and planetarium was a client of Ian McLennan�s for many years. The most recent activities involved assisting the visioning of an up-to-date planetarium theatre (Bill Chomik and Steve Savage prime consultants) and development of a report, assisted by D. Jensen & Associates on planning options for a major science centre � incorporating advanced exhibition design and technology. The new centre opened to the public in 2004 in time for the Athens Olympics. Later, Ian attended Hi-Def 3D stereo proof of concept demonstrations in the Athens planetarium theatre on behalf of a consortium of innovative science visualization theatres, including TELUS World of Science Edmonton. |
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| � Powerhouse Museum, Sydney, NSW, Australia |
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The Powerhouse Museum (PHM) is Australia�s largest science centre. The PHM brought Ian in to develop a business plan and location analysis for a proposed major new planetarium for Darling Harbour, Sydney. Ian met with trustees, stakeholders, community leaders, museum staff, the scientific community and the media to help determine the conceptual basis and optimum scale of the proposed facility, as well as proposing a development strategy. The PHM is currently undergoing a transitional reorganization, and the planetarium project is expected to be advanced sometime in the future � either at this site, or another one put forward by the NSW government, in Parramatta. |
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� Planetarium Bogota, Colombia
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Center image: Bogota Planetarium Director German Puerta and Consultant Ian McLennan.
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Ian undertook a series of projects in this remarkable South American country � including upgrading Maloka Science Centre in Bogota, digital planetarium planning for CAFAM (with German Puerta), an aviation museum in Giradot, an industrial land re-visioning project in Manizales, and advising on a proposed new Institute and Museum Centre of Human Rights in Ibagu�, Tolima. He has also long been associated with Planetario de Bogota, through its well known and highly respected director, German Puerta. |
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� Planetarium Medellin, Colombia and Medellin Science Centre Parque Explora
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Ian was engaged by one of South America's most progressive science museums, Parque Explora to assist in developing administrative and governance structure so that the city's outdated planetarium can be taken over, operated and upgraded by Explora. That transition was completed as planned. Ian worked with Carlos Alberto Escobar, Andres Roldan and Claudia Aguirre in Medellin and in the stunningly beautiful Rio Claro region of Northern Colombia. |
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| � H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, Vancouver |
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Ian served on the Board of Directors of this institution, and in more recent years, the Centre called on him to provide a variety of professional services: (1) draft a tourism positioning strategy; (2) conduct a theatre planning analysis; (3) define management and governance options � with recommendations; and (4) participate in a $9 million capital fund raising program leading to new attractions, including upgraded planetarium theatre and major exhibit plan. |
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� Sciencenter of Iowa, Des Moines, Iowa
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Ian provided content review and technical specifications assistance as sub-consultant to White Oak Associates of Boston and Talking Spaces (Victor Becker), Sanbornville, New Hampshire. The unique and very popular �Cosmic Jukebox� concept arose out of one of his on-site workshops.
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| � B.C. Forest Discovery Centre, Duncan, B.C. |
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Ian headed a team consisting of Merrick Architecture, Economic Planning Group, Bastion Consultants and Karo Design to devise a Master Plan and Partnership Strategy for re-visioning and revitalizing this potential treasure on Vancouver Island. Associated consultants included Christine Lintott, David Hall, Bjorn Simonsen and Barry Marshall.
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� Saskatchewan Science Centre, Regina, Saskatchewan
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Ian was contracted by the Provincial Government to conduct an operational and planning overview and options report for the Board of this landmark centre in the historic Powerhouse. Later, he was brought back to Regina to conduct a series of workshops with trustees to engage in high-level coaching and options analysis for the then executive director, Scott Langen, and other key management people. He subsequently conducted an options analysis regarding future operation of the IMAX Theatre, under the current director, Ms. Sandy Baumgartner. In 2009, when this Centre hosted the CASC (Canadian Association of Science Centres) National conference in Regina, Ian was presented with a Career Achievement Award by CASC.
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| � North Vancouver Museum |
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This civic museum has embarked on an ambitious expansion plan. In collaboration with Ballantyne & Associates, Ian drafted a report outlining a range of possibilities, and later was Project Manager on a feasibility analysis of a destination attraction on the city�s harbour. He also assisted Busby Associates Architects define broad, conceptual options for the future public profile of the downtown North Vancouver waterfront.
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� Minneapolis Library and Planetarium, Minnesota
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Ian helped draft future redevelopment options with HGA Architects (Juan Stoleson) and p.r. firm Cincinnatus (Diane Herman), including a series of public focus groups. Three major options were presented to the City of Minneapolis; the City decided to advance the grand �destination attraction� scheme, subject to additional State funding.
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� Children�s Museum of Victoria, B.C.
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In collaboration with Haley-Sharpe Design, UK, Ian acted as Project Manager of Phase I Design and Feasibility Analysis, working with DMRussell Consulting, Small Planet Consulting and Merrick Architecture. Under Ian�s direction, conceptual drawings were created in order to facilitate the fund-raising phase and a business plan was produced for review by the community trustees.
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� Parksville Nature Interpretation Centre, B.C.
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In collaboration with Lanarc Consulting and Economic Planning Group (David Hall), Ian assisted with innovative ideas and sponsorship development opportunities associated with this regional initiative.
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� Pender Harbour Regional Museum, B.C.
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In collaboration with EPG Victoria, Ian provided workshop facilitation skills, comparative research and original ideas for this community economic development initiative.
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� Town and District of Fort Nelson, B.C.
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This far northern community in B.C. required an external consultant to help the town museum, the chamber of commerce and tourist visitor centre complex create a unified plan � which Ian was able to facilitate through a dedicated workshop involving all the key stakeholders. |
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� Fairbanks Museum, St. Johnsbury, Vermont
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Ian was contracted to assist this facility to investigate redevelopment of its planetarium to an upgraded facility with �atmospherium� capability. The museum is known as the regional weather centre. Lord Cultural Resources conducted the overall Master Planning effort. The museum was given the green light to undertake the required improvements � and the old planetarium facility was among the elements of the museum to be upgraded.
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� National Air & Space Museum, Washington, D.C.
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NASM is the heaviest attended museum in the world, yet management and staff regularly re-assess their programming; they are determined to keep abreast of latest developments in the museum, large format film and planetarium fields. Ian was brought in to organize a series of workshops � and propose recommendations on future development options. He proposed the idea of a National Planetarium � and each new Smithsonian Secretary General has since asked the question, �Why haven�t we done this?'
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� Fels Planetarium, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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The Franklin Institute is one of the world's great science museums, and although the Fels Planetarium has undergone upgrading over the years, its directors wanted it to be brought up-to-date. Ian ran an internal workshop for management and key staff � leading to resolution of planning priorities, and identification of key options, including which foundations to approach, and when.
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� Rochester Museum & Science Center, Rochester, New York
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Ian was brought back to the institution he once headed to facilitate a special Board retreat to address future planning options for the once legendary Strasenburgh Planetarium. On the occasion its 50th anniversary in 2019, a completely refurbished and upgraded planetarium was re-dedicated.
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� International Planetarium Society - IPS
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The IPS governing Council asked Ian McLennan and Robert Ballantyne to conduct a survey and analysis of membership and related services � with recommendations for future planning guidelines for this world-wide organization. Ian subsequently served on the IPS Council as the official Canadian delegate (representing the Canadian Association of Science Centres). He recently retired from that position, handing it over to Frank Florian of TELUS World of Science - Edmonton. After several years deliberation, the IPS finally adopted a variation of the Ballantyne-McLennan plan.
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� Glenbow Museum, Calgary, Alberta
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Ian was contracted to coordinate and facilitate workshops and a public forum dealing with re-design of one of the major floors of this famous cultural institution. Eminent thinkers from all over the USA and Canada considered various options and possibilities, and Ian followed this up with an implementation report and plan, taking into account the Museum's mission in the community, and evolving mandate.
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| � Project FARSTAR, Tel Aviv, Israel |
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This visionary operation will eventually see major new science and technology exhibitions being brought to the citizens of Israel for the first time. Ian assisted in defining planning options and criteria, as well as identifying exemplary operations for the principals to tour as part of their orientation. The project has been on hold during unsettled times in the Middle East, and may be resumed some time in the future. |
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| � EXPO 2000 |
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Early in the planning of EXPO 2000 in Hannover, Germany, (a major Universal Exposition) Ian was brought in as one of the international experts to help event planners establish theme days and weeks � consistent with the Exposition's focus on nature and the environment. |
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