The internal space was essentially a large box. We decided to open up the space which had been divided to make it into two squash courts, but keep the existing timber floor.
Above: The plan of the converted squash courts.
We decided to keep the design simple and let the exhibition itself tell the story. We took the approach of allowing for a large full-height Exhibition Frieze as the main means of delivering the message. This was supported by other material including an Interactive Unit and Videos. A Pubic Web Gallery allows the public to browse the New Millennium Experience's web site and gives further information about the preparations for the Dome on the Greenwich peninsular.
The building was opened to the public on 29th November 1997 by the Mayor of Greenwich and TV. presenter Mary Nightingale.
To Stimulate as well as Inform.
The exhibition is intended to convey the progress of the design of the Greenwich
Dome and the exhibition it will house. We wanted to stimulate visitors as well
as inform, so working closely with the user-client, we elected to take several
approaches:
We decided therefore to provide a huge frieze along the long clear wall of the exhibition space which would convey ideas at several scales. At the top we showed the Dome designers' drawings, both architects and engineers. Below that we conveyed the questions being asked of the designers of the interior of the Dome (Who we are, What we do, Where we live) in the form of large bold images with accompanying more detailed questions. At the lowest level we conveyed the most detailed information in the form of exhibition precedents, information on other great domes of the world and how people approached the last Millennium.
The former squash courts, now the exhibition centre.
We also provided administration space for the client in the form of offices, storage and a large meeting room at first floor level.
The spiral stair to the balcony.
The balcony outside the meeting room.
Models of the Greenwich Dome.
The count-down clock.
We were keen to avoid the use of air conditioning system in the building, partly because of the initial capital cost but also it would be expensive to run and maintain. We opted therefore for a natural cooling system. The building is extremely massive, with thick masonry walls. The system we opted for is extremely simple and relies on night-time air cooling the fabric. By opening the high-level windows on an automatic opening system, cool air is allowed to be drawn into the building and circulate. During the day, when cooling is required, the windows are closed and the fabric absorbs the internal heat read to be cooled down again that evening. The roof lights were also lined with heat-reflective blinds to ensure minimal solar heat gain. Below: Sections through the building showing the principles of the natural cooling system:
Above: The existing high-level windows are opened at night to allow cool night air into the building. This air cools the building structure, which, being made of massive brick walls, retains the 'coolth' of the night air.
Above: During the day, when coolness is required, the existing high-level windows are closed and the brick structure absorbs the heat being generated in the room, keeping it cool.
By taking the design approach of minimal costings and maximum impact, the project was completed on time and within its very low budget.
