Myriad of projects at Science Museum

NEWS – Design activity at London’s Science Museum is peaking with several projects being completed, designed, commissioned and planned, including a 40m 10 000m2 extension.

NEWS

Design activity at London’s Science Museum is peaking with several projects being completed, designed, commissioned and planned, including a 40m 10 000m2 extension.

The new wing will be named the Wellcome wing in recognition of The Wellcome Trust’s 15m donation to the extension. Support will also be sought from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Science museum head of design Tim Molloy says it is “very early days” on the project, but a two-stage pitch including a paid second stage will be held to appoint architects and exhibition designers.

The new wing will focus on contemporary science and technology. It will include conference facilities and a 450-seat theatre.

Meanwhile, the museum’s redesigned café has been performing well in its first two weeks of reopening, says Molloy. The café’s redesign is by Peter Leonard & Company.

The designers of the new 4.5m Challenge of Materials gallery (DW 17 February) are still undecided. Molloy says he is working with the shortlist of four teams in a paid pitch. He expects to announce the winner within two weeks.

And Project 95 – the museum’s new area to appeal to children – is nearing completion. Ben Kelly Design, Casson Mann, Red Jacket, Parisian designer Gilles Cernazandotti and Met Studio are all working on elements of the 3.5m project (DW 12 August 1994).

The project includes areas specifically targeted at distinct age groups, a refreshment area and an “electronic theatre”. Project 95 is due to be completed shortly, with a public opening by the end of September. The masterplan is by Ben Kelly Design.

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