The futuristic building was designed by Zaha Hadid Architects. The Museum of Science and Technology in Shenzhen, China, is a facility designed to promote the country’s technological and scientific achievements and provide an architectural showcase for the city.
The focal point of the establishment is a solid, spherical volume that fronts the city while marking the south-east corner of the newly developed Science Park. The building space flows seamlessly into a series of dynamic terraces extending westwards towards the green squares. These terraces function not only as an aesthetically pleasing extension of the museum’s interiors, but also as visitor-friendly resting places, creating a new dimension of urban space.
The interior of the building has a centrally located atrium from which the exhibition galleries spring – some rise directly from the floor and walls, others seem to float above the space, opening up unexpected perspectives. Such a concept fits perfectly with the design philosophy of Zaha Hadid Architects, showing not only futuristic forms but also intuitively guiding visitors through a labyrinth of interconnected spaces.
A building like an exhibit
Advanced computer simulations were used in the museum’s design process to optimise the building’s shape, spatial layout and façade in the context of Shenzhen’s changing climatic conditions. Through precise analysis of solar radiation, temperature, humidity, wind speed and air quality, the orientation of the building was determined to minimise heat build-up in the central atrium while maintaining panoramic views of the surrounding park.
The façade solutions include the use of INCO’s innovative dual colour technology. This is a special process that has created a nanoscale oxide layer on the surface of the steel, creating a self-cleaning and self-protective coating. The elegant gradation of colours, ranging from deep blue to various shades of grey, is reminiscent of the movements of celestial bodies orbiting their central stars.
The Shenzhen Science and Technology Museum as a space for dialogue and innovation
The Shenzhen Science and Technology Museum was designed with collaboration in mind – not only between the technology industry, universities and research institutions, but above all as a place to inspire science and art lovers. Measuring as much as 128,276 sq m, the building combines permanent and temporary exhibition galleries, cinemas, theatres, research laboratories, educational spaces and an innovation centre. This makes the museum not only a refuge for enthusiasts of the latest discoveries, but also a modern, vibrant cultural centre that attracts residents of one of the world’s largest metropolises.
design: Zaha Hadid Architects
photography: Virgile Simon Bertrand
Also read: China | Museum | Culture | Modernism | Zaha Hadid | whiteMAD on Instagram
