Gallery was designed to contain
four eco-systems typical of Flor-
ida environments.
 Within the Physical Sciences
 Arcade, there are four halls in
 the open exhibit area; the Halls
 of Waves, Electricity, Forces
 and Light. Each exhibit pertains
 to that particular unit and all of
 the exhibits are designed to be
 relocated to a different space.
 Color was utilized throughout
the Science Center in various
capacities. Red was used in the
entrance to stimulate people
and other colors such as blues,
greens and yellows were used to
create visual differences be-
tween halls. The neon tunnel
creates a circulation path that is
symbolic and not rigid. The neon
lights are computer-generated
and controlled, thereby creating
motion and drawing people into
the tunnel.


 The building is heated and
 cooled by an energy-efficient
 heat pump. The entire building
 has a fully automatic fire sup-
 pression system. The ceilings
 are an exposed system of bar
 joists and mechanical ductwork
 with polished aluminum used in
 some places. Artificial lighting
 is the predominant source of
 illumination in the exhibit area.
 At the stairwell, the window
 opens up the space and provides
 a source of natural light.
 The expansion of the Orlando
 Science Center is very exciting
 and very innovative. It utilizes
 materials in space-age fashion,
 stimulates children to want to
 look at the exhibits while holding
 adults' interest as well. Most of
 all, the space was designed to
 encourage the participation of
 visitors and it seems to do that
very well.

Gail Fein is a writer living in
Orlando.


The Physical Sciences Arcade with the Hall of Waves seen in
foreground. The observation deck at the far right allows better
viewing of the first floor exhibits. Photo by J. Kevin Haas.


section 'a'


section 'b'


FLORIDA ARCHITECT September/October 1985