The Ontario Science Centre in Ontario, Canada, is set to transform its existing 4,600sq m (51,000sq ft) main entrance into an interactive outdoor venue called Teluscape.

Teluscape will combine native trees and a 60sq m (645sq ft) wetland pond surrounded by a naturalised area planted with native grasses and wetland species. The area will feature fibre-optic reeds interspersed with real vegetation energised by large solar-powered trees as well as walkways, interactive experiences, installation art and an outdoor forum.

The forum will comprise a new 350-seat event space featuring Climbing Spheres – three large spheres scooped out of the wall for children to climb on.

FUNtain – an interactive sound sculpture created by Toronto artist Steve Mann – will encourage visitors to block different holes in a giant-sized flute to play a tune, while the Water Maze will feature 1m (3ft) high water jets shooting up in changing patterns to encourage visitors to stop, observe and plan a dry route through the labyrinth.

Lesley Lewis, CEO, said: “The theme of the area is ‘Question the Landscape’, with outdoor features and interactive experiences designed to encourage visitors to explore the different and sometimes surprising features of their surroundings.”

Teluscape will open to visitors, free of charge, in late August 2006.

The project was supported by TELUS, the government of Ontario and The Globe and Mail.

Teluscape is part of the centre’s ongoing £22.7m (CAN$47m, US$39.7m, 30.8m euro) revamp, which will include the opening of a new family innovation centre on 27 July.

Attractions will include a large screen showing images, videos and animation covering scientific topics such as natural disasters, mad cow disease and space exploration. Details: www.ontariosciencecentre.ca