The Carnegie Science Center is Becoming Even More Futuristic
The PPG Science Pavilion will include four floors of learning labs, exhibits and event space.
photos courtesy of the carnegie science center
An exhibit made entirely of LEGOs, a floor-to-ceiling rotating clock and a straight-on view of the city skyline are among the highlights of the new PPG Science Pavilion at the Carnegie Science Center.
On Monday, the science center previewed the pavilion, which will open this weekend, with local dignitaries in attendance for tours of the new space.
“Science and technology are vital to future growth, both as a company and a community,” says PPG Chairman Mike McGarry in his comments on the benefits of the “long-term relationship” between PPG and the science center.
The four-story addition includes FedEx STEM Learning Labs, which have opportunities and classes for kids starting at age 3; the Scaife Exhibit Gallery, featuring “THE ART OF THE BRICK,” an exhibition of sculptures and hands-on activities made up entirely of LEGO bricks; and PointView Hall, a conference room that can hold meetings, weddings and other social events.
The floor-to-ceiling rotating clock consists of five sets of panels: hour panels that show Roman numerals, minute panels featuring sign language (and binary for every 10 minutes), and second panels with Arabic numerals up to nine, with six tally panels to signify every 10 seconds.
At midnight, the panels coincide before starting over again for a new day.
The center also has a new door, providing access from the trail on the river side, and is improving the Nimick Forbesway Foundation Rain Garden. The rain garden is one example of green technology at the center. In addition, the steel and concrete used in the renovation are made of recycled materials, the paint and other supplies used are low or no-emitting materials, and solar panels are used for renewable energy.
Mayor Bill Peduto accredits the “futuristic” qualities of Pittsburgh to places like the science center, “places where opportunities are given to children.”
