The Science Museum in London was founded in 1857 and plays host to 3.3 million visitors on an annual basis. The museum is a publicly funded facility and does not charge for admission. It holds a collection of over 300,000 items such as the first jet engine and Stephenson’s Rocket. The museum supports the continuation of scientific research and every year more than 450,000 young people visit on educational trips or benefit from its outreach programmes.
The museum also houses famous medical exhibits, boasts a dedicated library, an IMAX 3D cinema for the screening of science and nature documentaries and the Wellcome Wing which focuses on digital technology. The museum consists of eight floors in total and offers an array of educational and informative exhibits, material and activities. From veterinary history and agriculture to computing, mathematics, energy and atmosphere there is something for every scientific and enquiring mind.
The museum also offers its exclusive extravaganza, Science Night. The museum opens its doors to over 350 children and adults for an exciting evening of fun, science based activities and a sleepover amongst the atmospheric exhibits.
The preservation and continual improvement of such a beneficial facility is of huge importance. We are pleased to be the London architects that recently won a competition to design a new research centre for the museum. Our intention for the project is to enhance the connection between research and exhibition and to house over 500, 000 items contained within the Wroughton library.
By providing a pleasant and accommodating environment it is our aim to offer the perfect place for the visiting public and researchers. The space will possess two simple and elegant internal features. The bookcase and canopy will create relaxing lighting and acoustic conditions that simultaneously serve as the ideal environment for both academic and casual use. A central reading room will provide the perfect space for activity and a small staircase will take readers and researchers to an upper mezzanine that is bathed in light and offers a common room and staff areas.
Our design plans reflect our consistent aim of designing and constructing structures and spaces that support the way we work and live. Put simply, the overall project aim is to support the central role of the museum and enhance the research facilities to offer increased comfort and functionality. As dedicated London architects we consistently approach commercial, residential and public projects with the same commitment to enhancing our everyday environments.