Design Curial's feature on the First Light Pavilion

Design Curial's recent article takes a look at this immersive exhibition on the story of Jodrell Bank

12
Dec
2022

Emily Martin from Design Curial writes, "Casson Mann and Hassell have designed a venue, incapsulating a quintessential ‘garden shed’ character, which delivers the inspiring story of the pioneering observatory with its fully immersive and interactive exhibition ‘The Story of Jodrell Bank’."

"Working with Jodrell Bank prior to the telescope’s refurbishment, Casson Mann saw an opportunity to save and repurpose parts of the original 1957 dish as the fabric of the exhibition: at over four metres high, the authentic, heavily patinated panels become the projection surface that connects visitors to the original telescope."

"‘Use of the Lovell Telescope’s metal “skin” was an unusual, even a unique, opportunity – we knew it was too good to pass up. We saw its full potential and went massive with it,’ explains Roger Mann."

"The structures, which house exhibits and interactives in the exhibition, are based on the furniture and materials of these mid-century sheds in Cheshire. Old filing cabinets, colours, materials, finishes and furniture styles are drawn from the huts where British scientists expanded human knowledge of the universe. The recycling and repurposing done by Lovell and his team became part of Casson Mann’s design approach."

Click here for the full article.

"The transformation of the Jodrell Bank Observatory not only provides a transformation for the future, but pays homage to the site’s heritage."

Design Curial

View project:

First Light Pavilion
Jodrell Bank, Macclesfield, UK
First Light Pavilion
Jodrell Bank, Macclesfield, UK
First Light Pavilion
Jodrell Bank, Macclesfield, UK
Opening soon
First Light Pavilion
Jodrell Bank, Macclesfield, UK
Opening soon