MEYER Turku inspires future shipbuilders in Heureka Science Centre

This fall, visitors of Science Centre Heureka will get the chance to learn more about the exciting shipbuilding industry. The exhibition “On the Waves of Creativity” officially opened on September 25, 2024 and is the result of a collaboration together with Aalto University.

Designing and building a cruise ship requires a lot of imagination, different people and many kinds of skills, for example problem solving, research, creativity, innovation and the ability to dream. It is especially important to consider how to make a cruise ship more sustainable, safe and remarkable. Each ship is the result of creative collaboration. By taking part in the exhibition, MEYER Turku hopes to inspire children and teens to consider an education and career in shipbuilding.

Planning the exhibition

Radical creativity was at the core of the exhibition planning process together with Aalto University. The starting point was all the cumulated expertise and know-how from research to teaching and innovation to implementation. During the exhibition’s brainstorming phase a common goal became clear: create interest and enthusiasm towards the maritime industry. This meant the team had to come up with ways to trigger the children’s creative capabilities. Plenty of ideas arose, while some restrictions helped the team narrow the ideas down and focus on some of the key ideas with a lot of potential. A turning point was the emergence of the term “Junior Naval Architect”.

Passion and drive are born from competence, relevance and autonomy. Combined with creativity, things move forward. Come and explore what kind of ship architect you would be!

At the exhibition, visitors can build on a ship model while learning about aspects like block construction and fire zones. Deck design and ship stability are also introduced through two different and interactive shipbuilding games.

Collaboration with Aalto University

MEYER Turku cooperates with Aalto University in marine engineering research and teaching. In the technology field it is common for universities to conduct research together with companies. MEYER’s collaboration with Aalto researches the use of technologies (e.g. new, thinner and more environmentally friendly materials and structures) and their effect on the ship’s performance.

MEYER’s part of the Heureka exhibition is organised through the Business Finland and EU funded NEcOLEAP project. NEcOLEAP’s project cluster ‘People’ aims to secure future shipbuilding talent.