Zaha Hadid Selected For London Science Museum Extension

London Science Museum

Zaha Hadid architects have been selected by The London Science Museum to design their new Mathematics gallery as part of the Museum’s plan to redevelop a third of the museum over the next five years, which is being financed by a £5 million donation from science philanthropists David and Claudia Harding.

The David and Claudia Harding Foundation have donated close to £40m to scientific, academic and humanitarian causes, including to help research into the physics of sustainability at The Cavendish Laboratory in Cambridge.The new wing is scheduled to open in 2016, Art Daily reports.

Museum director Ian Blatchford said “David and Claudia stand among philanthropists as dedicated champions of Science. We are determined to match their enormous generosity with the ambition we show in harnessing our world class collections…with Zaha Hadid’s extraordinary designs this project is off to the best start imaginable. This appointment reflects our ambition.”

Zaha Hadid’s design will juxtapose the concepts of engineering and mathematics within the physical structure of the new gallery. The starchitect, explained: “The design explores the many influences of mathematics in our everyday lives; transforming seemingly abstract mathematical concepts into an exciting interactive experience for visitors of all ages.”

Sajid Javid who is the British Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, also stated “with Zaha Hadid to design” the new gallery, “I’m sure the end product will delight and amaze all who come to see it.”

The permanent gallery will display exhibitions spanning from the 17th century to present; these will dedicated to exploring how mathematics and mathematicians have shaped the world we live in today.

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