1. The Eleventh Doctors TARDIS (Present)
Personally, Im surprised myself, yet at the same time, with this control room, it was almost love at first sight. The time machine got its mojo back. It may be that it was more of a relief after the previous control room, or it may be that it is a genuinely great design, time will tell. It feels quintessentially TARDIS-like with the use of colour and lighting. I can actually take it seriously. Its also intelligently structured, symmetry is acknowledged for the first time in a long time and the whole thing is practical. The panels look functional, the underside of the console has a storage area to house the Doctors various changes of clothes. The rotating, ticking section above the console is also inspired. Another thing that is a welcome addition is the extra control panels, which make the ship seem a lot busier and have hints of appearances from the sixties comics, other early depictions and even the Peter Cushing TARDIS. One of the main criticisms leveled against this console room is the fact there is no indication of the traditional roundels. This doesnt particularly bother me as there are the circular lighting units on the higher levels and also they had always been used and arranged to create a honeycomb type structure, represented by the new hexagonal design. So as far as Im concerned, that criterias met. Its a natural progression with the core elements intact. The various levels from the previous control rooms have been retained, but hinted at subtly and suggested rather than having staircases left, right and centre. The only criticism I agree with is the niggle about the time rotor. Like the Secondary Control Room the lack of movement made the whole thing makes it disappointingly static but at least there
is a central column. Despite the rotating upper section it really breaks with tradition to not be able to see the column bobbing up and down in flight. Even if it rotated it would be an improvement. The only other criticism is that the walls in the corridors are actually quite plain and generic but there are the odd fancy additions, but its the rooms we see, even in passing that make up for it. The room of memories, the swimming pool and the library, all beautifully realized. Hopefully this wont be the last time we see these rooms, having been shown all the TARDIS, it would be a shame for it all to never be seen again. Which interior is your favourite? What parts of the TARDIS would you like to see in future? Let us know in the comments.