Physics, construction, experience : an architecture environment for informal science education

Abstract

While contemporary informal science education facilities (to include science centers, natural history museums, aquariums and zoos) have dramatically evolved from the 17th century room of curiosity cabinets to the modern-day container of interactive exhibits, very little has been done to incorporate architectural experience into a pedagogical mission. This thesis investigates how architectural experiences can be constructed as integral components of an informal science learning environment. While the building serves as a container of the facility, it also serves as a device to consciously establish territories of direct interaction with the behavior of natural phenomena. Grounded primarily on scientific concepts related physics, the mission of this particular science center relies substantially on the experimentation, participation, and critical inquiry of citizens to construct their own knowledge. It is located in Seattle on a prominent urban site associated with existing and developing cultural infrastructure.