Fermilab's "CMS branch office"
The CMS (Compact Muon Solenoid) detector at CERN, in Geneva, Switzerland, and the new CMS offices at Fermilab are separated only by the amount of time it takes light to travel between the two places. On Wilson Hall's 11th floor at Fermilab, computer screens run live footage of CMS taken by cameras at CERN, alternating with animations of how the detectors are assembled.
 Photo: Reidar Hahn, Fermilab |
"The goal in designing this floor was to create an open area for human interaction, formal and informal meetings, and spontaneous communication," says Kaori Maeshima of Fermilab's Particle Physics Division and CMS Department. The open crossover area, with bright yellow chairs, clear fish tank coffee tables, and high stools at the Internet bar, has a fresh, welcoming look for visitors as well as locals.
For an experiment with over 2000 people involved, creating bases around the world helps personalize the work. Of course, CMS scientists occasionally have to travel to Switzerland. "We're offering French classes for the CMS people who visit CERN," says Hans Wenzel of Fermilab's Computing Division and CMS Department. "When you visit CERN, it's quite amazing how much the French language is used. Knowing the language opens up a completely different world sometimes, for work and other things, such as visiting small local markets."
The only aspect that the design team (of physicists) seemed to approach too hastily was the naming of one of the conference rooms. While other Fermilab conference rooms have intriguing names and designs (such as "Black Hole" and "Hornets' Nest"), the CMS floor offers a plain "Round Table." Perhaps it could have been "La Table Ronde."
Lisa Zyga
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