Magna Science Centre, Wilkinson Eyre Architects LTD 2001
- Seems like something from a teenage coming of age movie. A period of rebellion, where all the underground and secret party hideouts happen in secluded places, making the structure even more intriguing as there is something dangerous and impulsive behind it. However, this is a science museum centre welcoming people of all ages including young children. Although from the exterior, it seems industrial and not very child friendly, it could be argued otherwise.
- The brutal and industrial appearance of the structure seems to suit its immediate environment as stated before it’s in a secluded environment. It has no significant or large buildings surrounding it making it very distinct. This is perhaps why it works so well as a science centre, especially for younger children because it almost represents the magical science laboratory or secret lair in superhero movies and cartoons such as ‘The Amazing Spider Man’ and ‘The Fantastic Four’.
- Metal with the symmetric zig-zag pattern (dog-legged staircase) gives the building a sort of sophisticated look, which is very unusual for industrial sites, as these usually look run down, old and rusted. However, the ribbed steel sheets look fresh, glossy and of a high finish just showing the extent of architectural consideration to detail.
It's quite refreshing not seeing typical materials such as glass used in such a major piece of architecture, it defies the norms of 21st century buildings with the simple geometric shapes and minimalist materials, conforming to the ‘less is more’ notion. (Ugolini, A., 2014).
|
The Evelyn Grace Academy by Zaha Hadid Architects, 2010
The Evelyn Grace Academy on the other hand, although it has a range of modern and appealing materials and peculiar shapes is one of my least favourite buildings out of the RIBA Prize Awards Winners seen so far.
|