World of Life — California Science Center
World of Life, one of two core hands-on science galleries that opened at the California Science Center in Los Angeles in February 1998, was designed by West Office Exhibition Design and centers on the BodyWorks Theater's 50-foot animatronic figure, Tess.
| Venue | California Science Center |
|---|---|
| Project type | New Exhibition |
| Status | Completed |
| Year completed | 1998 |
| Technologies | animatronics, projected animation |
Credits
| Firm | Role | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ZGF Architects | Architecture | Building architecture (per Wikipedia, citing the firm's former name, Zimmer Gunsul Frasca Partnership); distinct from West Office's exhibit-design role |
| West Office | Exhibit Design |
Description
The World of Life gallery examines biological systems shared across organisms, including respiration and reproduction. Its centerpiece, BodyWorks Theater, features a 50-foot animated character named Tess that demonstrates homeostasis through functioning heart, lung, circulatory, and nervous-system displays, and lets visitors compare human body systems to those of other animals.