The Darwin Centre, a giant eight-storey-high concrete Cocoon suspended within a glass outer box, will allow museum visitors and scientists to share the excitement of exploring, studying and preserving the natural world.
A pioneering research and collections facility, it will be used by the world's leading scientists to examine the Darwin Centre's collection of 20m plant and insect specimens. Visitors will be able to look in on the scientists at work in their modern laboratories and witness the latest research.
Sysco is lead AV contractor on the project, which will feature an array of exhibits that make full use of state of the art technology to enhance the visitor experience.
The iconic Cocoon building is now complete and Sysco, on behalf of project managers Cultural Innovations, is fitting out the complete AV/IT installation including extensive audio-visual systems, network cabling and other infrastructure.
The building is fully DDA compliant throughout, with ramps used instead of stairs as a feature of the design, while an extensive induction loop will ensure all visitors can share the experience.
"In many ways the biggest task of this fantastic project has been integrating our systems with the highly complex set works," explained Sysco project manager Chris Mothersdale. "The geometry of the interior itself is extraordinary and posed some interesting technical challenges."
This £78 million landmark building completes the Darwin Centre's development, the most significant expansion at the Museum since it moved to South Kensington in 1881.
(Jim Evans)
