Experiment Zone

Life Science Centre, Newcastle

The Experiment Zone is a public laboratory space where families can carry out science experiments with a small amount of guidance. The aim is to help visitors’ understanding of science and “try on” the role of scientist. It is a social learning space with activities designed around families / groups.

The space incorporates five family workstations, a flexible ‘Meet the Scientist’ demonstration area, a washing up station, a perimeter boundary to control access, interpretative displays and a staff-only enclosed prep room.

I designed a space that is flexible, with bespoke components that can be reconfigured. The design style is clean and un-fussy to represent the “essence” of a working lab. Material choices were vital as there is a need for robust and water-resistant surfaces - I worked closely with the Life in-house team to source and test (sometimes to destruction!) materials for the lab benches.

All images courtesy of Life Science Centre.