Explore at-Bristol was the first in a new generation of Exploratory Science Centres. The conversion of a listed railway shed provides a flexible, sustainable space housing a wide range of hands-on science exhibits. The existing 1906 Hennebique reinforced concrete structure was sympathetically restored and adapted to create a new focus for the regenerated Harbourside area. New glazing at ground floor isset back from the existing grid to create an arcade and allow the rhythm of the existing structure to remain clearly visible. A bridge from the first floor gallery leads to a planetarium, housed in a shiny stainless steel sphere and partially surrounded by water to create a dramatic focus for the new urban piazza in front of the building. A eutectic thermal storage system, visible as hundreds of pink plastic spheres, aptly demonstrates the responsive building systems to the public.

Date:

Completed 2000

Location:

Bristol, UK

Client:

Explore at-Bristol

Value:

£10.2 million

Type:

• Cultural

Theme:

• Building Re-Use,
• Interiors,
• Materiality,
• Regeneration,
• Sustainability

Ideas:

• Responsive Structures

Link:

www.at-bristol.org.uk