Humania
NEMO, Amsterdam
Nemo, The Netherlands' largest science center has their top floor entirely dedicated to the human race. Biology, sociology and psychology: all aspects of humans are covered. Where do we come from, how do we grow up and... grow old? How do we use our senses, how do we move, learn, or forget, decide and how do our choices affect us?
Humania is a bright, interactive exhibition aimed at teenagers. Participating in physical and mental experiments allows visitors to discover all kinds of things about how our body and brains work.
In collaboration with Kossman.deJong, Nemo, and a group of scientists, YIPP designed and developed a wide range of 40 exhibits. Play the prisoners dilemma with a friend or random stranger, who will win a massage? See what you could have looked like with dif-ferent DNA or how you might look in the future 10 or 20 years from now. Play the arcade DNA-game or play the bongo's and discover how hard it is to unlearn something you have just learned.
The centre piece of the exhibition is the 8,5 metre sculpture A Handstand; a spectacular work by Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman. The space around the statue offers a comfortable seat where you can take some time to test yourself in various ways. For instance, what personality type are you, and is that in any way linked to the type of music you prefer?
All tests are based on scientific research by scientist who feature in explanatory films to provide context and background information.
Visitors can compare their results with other visitors, and (anonymously) share their data in the name of science.
Would you like to know more about Humania or have a similar project in mind? Please get in touch with Wouter van der Zouwe (wouter.vanderzouwe@yipp.nl).
Credits:
Photography by Amy Kouwenhoven