A building that has the potential to revolutionise approaches to science and education has opened in the heart of Kaunas. Mokslo Sala, or Science Island a modern centre for the promotion of science and innovation in Lithuania, designed to awaken curiosity, encourage experimentation and prove that science and fun can go hand in hand. This interactive knowledge island is a perfect combination of modern architecture and an exhibition that allows you to deepen your knowledge. It is safe to say that Lithuania has gained its Copernicus Science Centre.
The Science Island is an example of modern architecture. The building is designed with dominant elements of concrete and glass, which gives it an austere yet elegant character. A unique accent is the entrance, which features a 21-metre “disk” – probably the most costly element of the entire structure – supported by specially made metal beams. Much of the roof has been transformed into a green space, allowing walkers to enjoy the views and interact with the surroundings. The entire structure was set four metres below ground level, which presented not only a technical challenge but also a symbolic connection to the history of the site.
The interior conceals a fascinating world of science. From permanent as well as periodic exhibitions with more than a hundred interactive installations, to laboratories for hands-on experimentation, to virtual spaces, museum rooms, and meeting and relaxation areas such as cafés and conference rooms. The project has been designed to be accessible to all, encouraging visitors to experiment freely and rediscover science. Science Island asks the important question “What if we knew more?”, encouraging deep reflection on the consequences of our everyday choices and the impact they have on the future.
The main attraction of Mokslo Sala is a permanent exhibition consisting of 140 interactive installations that engage visitors on many levels, from simple demonstrations to complex learning experiences. The building also houses a state-of-the-art planetarium, offering cinema screenings and high-quality astronomical projections that transport viewers to outer space. Four state-of-the-art STEAM laboratories allow for hands-on experimentation.
State-of-the-art engineering solutions developed by local specialists played an important role in the realisation of this project. Thanks to a precise structural approach, it was possible to create a facility of more than 11,000 square metres, with an impressive volume of more than 84,000 cubic metres. With a height of 7.3 metres, the building was designed as a single-storey structure, which emphasises the harmonious integration of the usable space. A key element of the innovative approach was a structure based on slender, multi-divided columns made of composites, which, with their lightness and elongated spans, fit in with the modern design. Ninety-nine columns were used throughout the structure, the longest of which reach over eight metres.
The history of the area on which the centre is being built adds to its significance. During construction work, layers of buried waste were discovered that had been in the soil for decades. This unusual discovery transformed the site into a kind of exhibition – a story about the blurred boundary between man and machine, nature and urbanisation. This symbolism fits perfectly with the philosophy of Science Island, where every decision we make shapes the future of our planet.
- General Contractor: UAB “Autokausta”
- Construction office: UAB “1 planas”
- Architect: UAB “Architektų biuras G. Natkevičius ir partneriai”/”Smar Architecture studio PTY LTD”
photos: Andrius Aleksandravičius
source: MOKSLO SALA(https://mokslosala.lt)
Read also: Lithuania | Modernism | Featured | Detail | whiteMAD on Instagram
