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 __________________________________________________________________________ ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).