An Expanse of Light and Color
By Gail Fein


Opposite page, the Tunnel of Dis-
covery defines the access to the Phy-
sical and Natural Science Arcades
of the Science Center. Computer-
generated neon lights create direc-
tionalflow and introduce the indi-
vidual to the exhibits. These new
arcades use color extensively to
identify space function and define
areas. This page, top, poster of Or-
lando Science Center designed by
ADG as a promotional piece. Below,
left, exterior view of major addition
to Center. I . .. ,..i ....
provides for increased exhibit areas.
Right, tubular railing throughout
second floor observation deck allows
for viewing access to both the Physi-
cal Sciences Arcade and Natural
Sciences Gallery. Photos by
J. Kevin Haas.


Architect: Architects Design
Group of Florida, Inc.
Project Designer: I.S. K.
Reeves V, AIA
Owner: Orlando Science
Center
Mechanical and Electrical
Engineer: GRG Consulting
Engineers
Structural Engineer: Don
Moe Engineering
Interior Designer: Laura
Shapiro
General Contractor: General
Construction

several years ago the direc-
 tors of the Orlando Science
Center were faced with expand-
ing programs and no physical
space in which to house them.
The decision was made to make
a major expansion at a cost of a
million-dollars-plus. Architects


Design Group of Winter Park
was chosen to design the ex-
panded facilities.
 The expansion increased ex-
hibit space within the Science
Center by 90 percent. It was
funded in part by a $100,000
state grant and the help of sev-
eral local contributors. The new
expansion represents the largest
addition to the center since
1976.
 The 6,000 feet of new or newly
renovated space houses two
new exhibit areas, the Physical
Sciences Arcade and the Natural
Sciences Gallery. Also included
in the design and construction
was additional exhibit fabrica-
tion space.
 Phase I of the project was the
construction of the 4,000 s.f.
Physical Sciences Arcade. This
space is a learning and fun center


in which visitors guide lasers, in-
teract with computers, activate
sound synthesizers, control ro-
bots and learn through active
participation. In Phase II of the
construction, the Natural Sci-
ences Gallery was built. This
2,000 s.f. structure houses a
variety of natural history ex-
hibits. The Natural Sciences









 Im





I L ".11


FLORIDA ARCHITECT September/October 1985 43