Save the patient

Location: Winchester Science Centre Client: Structural Genomic Consortium (SGC) Program: The aim of the project is to help SGC with their outreach programmes. With the growing lack of STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics) skills; Save the Patient journey aims to inspire children about the rigorous and fulfilling aspects of a biomedical scientists such as those working for SGC. The experiential design takes the visitor through a series of bases that represent the original scientific methods carried out by the scientists to help create the structure of protein. Throughout the scheme of the exhibition design visitors are guided through number coding that allows them to follow the set route. The yellow markings on the walls further guide the visitor into following the route. In the first base; visitor is taught about the incubator which allows the expression process. They are encouraged to try different temperatures and humidity settings to help cell growth. Once successful cell growth is projected on the curved wall. Visitors are then encouraged to use mechanical centrifuge to understand differential centrifugation; an important process that allows the separation of organelles from whole cells. I wanted to allow the visitors to get hands on with the equipment as it will allow them to make connections with how an industrial centrifugation process takes place. This learning experience is further enhanced through touch screen information panels. This was inspired by the energy exhibition at Science Museum London where information on different exhibits were further detailed on a touch screen display stand. The Constantine like shape of the third base reflects on the patterns of sound waves. This design decision was made because space houses the sonication process where high frequency sound is used to break cell membrane. As showcased in Sketch Video 2 visitors need to shout and scream into the microphones built into the space for the cell membrane projected on the screen to break. It will be interesting to develop this interactive digital element of the base further in my final major project. The next base has a deliberately low ceiling but as one walks in the space; it opens up to a higher ceiling. The base reflects on the magnifying or zooming in aspect of the cell study. This where the participants will use traditional method of using a microscope to study the cells; as well as using touch screen with zooming ability to zoom into the cell chromosomes, DNA, DNA bases and the protein structure to understand what is causing the mutation in the cells. The light steel framework at base 5 and the minimalistic design is an ode to all pharmaceutical companies that collaborate and fund SGC. The lack of privacy whilst using the technology reflects on the open access element of the work produced by the organisation. In these bases the visitor can fix the mutation by playing with the different DNA base codes. Base 6 is the patient base. The circular aspect of the design was inspired by MRI machines. The idea of a hospital is further connoted through the hanging pouches in the entrance base. As a visitor moves through the space I wanted them to go through a feeling of liminality. Once on the other side of the base the visitor can study how the medication provided by the Pharmaceutical Company Ltd. In collaboration with the SGC can have a positive effect on someone suffering from Cancer, FOP or Dementia. As the participant is about to exit; there is an option of photography or ‘selfie’ space to commemorate the experience. This space was originally created to encourage conversations regarding SGC on social media. This will be especially successful for children aged 10- 14 who sometimes spend more than three hours a day on social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, Myspace and Snapchat.