Interiors:Layout 1 11/09/2009 14:22 Page 73
interiors
A new children’s science
education centre based
within a working medical
school research laboratory,
offers children and
teenagers an insight into
what scientists actually do
and how their work
influences real life.
Inspiring young scientists
C
ENTRE of the Cell is located within pod, which introduces them to cells –
the Whitechapel campus of Barts “the building blocks of life”. The nucleus
and the London School of Medicine then opens to reveal interactive games;
and Dentistry, part of Queen Mary, students can try their hand at virtual
University of London. It is free to visit and experiments, observe real body parts and
can host 40,000 visitors each year. diagnose disease using high-power
Centre of the Cell is a giant orange pod microscopes.
suspended within the atrium of the RIBA Designed by Land Design Studio, the
award winning glass Blizard Building combination of digital technologies and
real-world science creates a science
education experience not available in the
students can diagnose
CENTRE of the Cell is especially for
classroom. During every school session at
children aged 9 to 16, the topics are
disease using high-
the Centre, children will get to meet
linked to the Science National
researchers based at the Medical School
Curriculum at Key stages 2,3 and 4, and
power microscopes
and ask questions about their work. More
cross-linked to the Maths, English and
than 80 scientists and researchers
Citizenship curricula.
contributed to the content of the centre.
The location of the Centre is pivotal
designed by SMC Alsop and Amec. Visitors Centre of the Cell’s major funders
to its mission. Tower Hamlets and its
approach the pod via a colourful glass include the Wellcome Trust, the London
neighbouring boroughs are among the
walkway and, as they enter, look down on Development Agency, the Mercers’
most deprived areas in the UK. The
the scientists working in the building’s Company and Queen Mary, University
facility aims to improve attainment,
vast subterranean laboratory. of London.
raise children’s aspirations and
increase the number of young people
Interactive
www.centreofthecell.org.uk
studying science and healthcare.
Once inside, the children gather around a
central nucleus for a powerful audiovisual
display, projected around the walls of the
www.landdesignstudio.co.uk
Clearly designated reading area
C
OLOUR-CODED sections of carpet a clearly designated reading area where
form a reading area in each of the the children can sit, that will inspire them
three classrooms at Harrow Gate and improve their attentiveness.”
Primary School in Stockton-on-Tees
Colours of the rainbow were chosen by Anti-static
the School, which wanted to create a Supacord is suited to educational buildings
vibrant feature for pupils. Supacord by because it is designed for areas of heavy
Heckmondwike FB offered over 40 colour wear and tear. It also has anti-slip and
options for the scheme. antistatic properties, both of which are a
The School has regularly used its significant concern for schools, who are
flooringcoverings for design innovation, looking to protect their students and
according to Tony Booth from contractors their equipment.
Carpet Time. “In this case, [it] was looking
www.carpetsforeducation.co.uk
for the creative use of colour to provide
edbmagazine.co.uk 73
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