Instructor: Nancy Hechinger
Hall of Science  

New York Hall of Science Review:

A: First Impressions. Sunny, informative, visually beautiful, welcoming, engaging, wonderful use of solid colors. playful, inviting, cheerful, sense of wonderment, spacious, clean, helpful, bright, informative, sheer volume of exhibits, convenient, organized, spacious, green.

B: Notes from the viewpoint of an observer from the following three perspectives; emotional, informational and social.

Emotional: With its beautiful bright, spacious interior and its of pastel color tones, the HOS creates a welcoming and comfortable environment. A safe and comfortable environment. The visitors are encouraged to walk around and explore all the exhibitions, through the open bright space and use of pastel color use and inviting atmosphere.

Informational: A sense of wonderment comes over you first notice the twin rockets towering over the tree-lined residential neighborhood as you slowly walk towards the HOS. You ask yourself, what would twin rockets be doing near a quiet tree line residential neighborhood and this helps not only increase the curiosity level but it allows you to be more excited about what else you may learn at the HOS. The HOS underlying themes seems to be learning through interaction. Through its use of hands on interactive exhibitions, you can fully explore everything from microbiology, mathematics, and even the solar system

Social: The HOS uses its spacious size to create truly interactive exhibitions where the active participation of more then two people is encouraged. I noticed several exhibitions, which were designed in a circular r motion so that several users can interact with each other and view the progress made by other people. This social interaction is further encouraged by the young guides who work at the HOS. The guides walk around and explain the exhibits to all the people and they chose several people from the crowd and ask them to help them as participants. This participation makes people feel more comfortable to interact with the exhibition as well with anyone who is near by. The layout and pathway is also large enough to accommodate large number of people. The bright and open space helps create a very friendly and social environment for social interaction between the visitors.