All the elements of the story of steel

Transform

A disused steelworks now teaches visitors about the science behind its industrial past

Many Millennium Commission capital projects involved new buildings, new bridges, new feats of engineering. But the Magna Science Adventure Centre in Rotherham won the RIBA Stirling Prize in 2001 because it has brilliantly integrated the industrial structures of the defunct steelworks in its new incarnation.

The exhibition spaces are designed with more than a nod to the centre’s earlier incarnation, each dedicated to the elements of earth, air, fire and water that were essential to the steelmaking process. But the spaces themselves are as far away from the traditional approach to educational exhibits as the centre is from its Victorian industrial past.

There are JCBs to control in the Earth pavilion; a gyroscopic chair to spin on in the enormous dirigible that is the Air pavilion; a range of interactive games to enjoy in the Water pavilion; while the Fire pavilion features a spectacular fire tornado brought to life by a combination of fans and heated kerosene.

In addition, one of the original electric arc furnaces provides the stage for The Big Melt, the 12-minute multi-sensory spectacular that reproduces the steelmaking process and shakes through the whole building at regular intervals during the day.

“We’re trying to capture people’s imagination so they think about science and technology in a simple way, but we want them to go away with an interest and an enthusiasm”

The education team at the centre work hard to engage the thousands of children who come with their families or on school trips to this multi-award winning venue.

did you know?

• Magna won the RIBA Stirling Prize in 2001
• It won the Best Exhibition category at the 2002 Design Week awards
• It won the Enjoy England Gold Award for Business Tourism in 2006