TIDAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC EXHIBITION CENTRE FOR THE THAMES/ WOOLWICH

by Thomas McGinnity

Following on from the design of a tidal measuring/ flood warning device, this building is designed to embrace that principle more completely. It is a research station located on the Thames edge that combines both tidal water studies with public exhibitions and education. The research zones are glass enclosed pods located beneath the public exhibition centre and immersed in the river. The rising tide against the glass is a graphic representation of what they are studying.

The exhibition centre is to connect the public to the Thames and to educate them in all aspects of the river. Concealed lighting running around the perimeter of the building acts as a permanent and ongoing beacon recording the level of the tide through bands of coloured lighting.