PEC Teaching Space

Published in the Research School of Physics Event Horizon
Vol42 Issue28 18–22 July 2016

The new PEC space, which houses a 80+ person flat teaching space, and significant informal space for student drop-in and hang out is nearing completion, ready for semester 2. It will form a new home for our undergraduate students (as well as a decent number from engineering). The space is already looking good, and is a fantastic blanks canvas for us to think about student experience for our undergraduates. This is especially important for the large first year population, who may still be making their minds up about their major. If we make a space that feels homely, and connects them to physics both and ANU and around the world, they are likely to at least stay connected to physics. 

We have been discussing ideas around how we fill the space, and make it feel inviting and engaging. There is already a lounge and kitchen area, as well as a sizeable courtyard. One thing that can really engage people is relevant art that tells a story. Physics is full of rich history, and ideas have been developing around commissioning some physics-relevant art for the space, possibly from the school of art, and/or a prominent artist. We are also interested in having moving footage of relevant research from the school, rather than just static screens. Furthermore, there is an excellent display space in the main entry. We would like something interactive and engaging here, and what that is could change from time to time. Think the best of Questacon. 

I would like to invite anyone from the school, academic, student, and all staff to come and look at the space. Bring your enthusiasm and ideas around what you imagine could benefit student experience during their time at ANU. Perhaps you have your own art you could contribute? Ideas of other art/artists and interactive installations? Engineering has 6 related student societies, yet physics has the remnants of 1-2. The possibility of events and stimulus for a student society? 

As an example, we have already engaged the school of art to see how feasible printing straight onto ceiling tiles above the lounge area with a deep-Hubble image could be. 

Please get in touch with your ideas. 

Warm regards, 

John Debs

John.debs@anu.edu.au