Natural History Museum, London: Herbology and Entomology Storage Display Area
Protecting and displaying Sir Hans Sloane´s and Joseph Banks´, herbology and entomology collections in an atmospherically controlled environment was a key consideration in the design of a storage system at the Natural History Museum in London.
The design was inspired by organic forms in the natural world and echoes the curved volume of the cocoon structure within the new Darwin Centre, which opened to the public on the 19th September 2009. The brief required a design that reflected the historic nature of the centuries old specimen volumes being displayed while remaining a contemporary display and science space. Made from beautifully engineered and expressive laminated ash with stainless steel componentry, the design uses materials to mediate between new and old.
Natural History Museum, London: Herbology and Entomology Storage Display Area
Each of the three hundred individual volumes are stored in custom-made specimen drawers, made by Opus Magnum. These have an acrylic front, top and bottom, enabling Scientists to identify and remove specimens for research. In addition to tight climate control, lids are individually sealed to offer further protection from any possibility of contamination. Materials were carefully selected to ensure they will not affect the precious samples through the release of particulates or gases over their life span.
Two windows from the main gallery allow visitors to view scientists at work, naming, analysing and preserving specimens. This contract is being delivered under a four-year framework agreement that Berman Guedes Stretton has with the Natural History Museum.
Natural History Museum, London: Herbology and Entomology Storage Display Area
Client: The Natural History Museum
Completion: 2012
Contract Value: various
