I was going to ask what a gravity well is but then this message about the
one in the airport came along.  Personally I think they sound great.  As
an architect-soon-to-be (?) the fun part really would be to design a
biggish one for a stairwell installation.

I love museums, but I also think that "science" and other demonstrations
are wonderful when they happen in other places.  I like the amazing
rolling ball machine at Port Authority Bus Terminal in NYC for example...
(I know this has a designer's name attached to it).  Not exactly
scientific principles explained there, but it is about mechanical
relationships. And it sure spices up the experience of Port Authority!

The newish main public library building in Phoenix (by architect Will
Bruder) has some very nice little in-wall lighting using fiberoptics near
some of the bathrooms.  Not good for illuminating things, but with a
little more surface transparency (they are behind translucent panels) the
fiberoptics would be more visible for observation and wonderment. (The
mechanism of the elevators in the building is also entirely exposed, and
very interesting to just stand and watch.)

The critics are probably right about opening a can of worms about who they
let into the airport to fundraise, but I love looking at these kinds of
things in airports.  In Detroit Metro there are fabulous glass cases from
various manufacturers showing their products, like ball bearings or
machined truck engine parts.  Is it Denver that has old airplanes hanging
in a terminal?  It seems like a terrific opportunity to make your airport
something different from the others. Since we frequently have to choose
between one horrible 2 hour layover and another to get to a single
destination, why not have the experience be interesting, even unique?

Annette A. Wilson
_________________________                            _____________________
                          The University of Michigan
College of Architecture and Urban Planning  :           Research Assistant
 -Joint Programs-                           :    Interdisciplinary Program
3+ Master of Architecture    and            :         in Feminist Practice
Doctoral Program in Architecture            :              2125  Lane Hall
        Environment and Behavior            :                 734/763-3589
__________________________________________________________________________

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