Dark Matter Garden for the National Schools’ Observatory
Best Fresh Garden
Gold
The Universe is dominated by as yet unidentified and mysterious constituents. Without dark matter there would be no planets, stars or galaxies and its presence is only known by its bending of light and vast gravitational effects. The National Schools’ Observatory: Dark Matter Garden, sponsored by the Science and Technology Facilities Council, Liverpool John Moores University and Urbis Design, brings the mysteries of the Universe to Chelsea through innovative structures and planting and represents the effect of dark matter on light. A warped lattice of steel rods depicts the bending trajectory of light around massive objects in the universe, implying the presence of dark matter. The team comprises an eclectic mix of astronomers, horticulturalists, construction experts and interestingly is led by an architect.
This garden is the latest example of the National Schools’ Observatory’s mission to use astronomy to enthuse young people about science and technology and its presence at Chelsea 2015 is highly appropriate in the centenary year of Einstein’s theory of general relativity where the bending of light by gravity was first predicted.
This garden is the latest example of the National Schools’ Observatory’s mission to use astronomy to enthuse young people about science and technology and its presence at Chelsea 2015 is highly appropriate in the centenary year of Einstein’s theory of general relativity where the bending of light by gravity was first predicted.
Designed by
Howard Miller Design Ltd
Built by
Landstruction