Zaha Hadid Architects has unveiled design for a new science center made of five interlocking volumes in Jurong Lake District, Singapore. 

The large design scheme is set to be built to provide unique facilities and programmes as a destination for all Singaporeans to access science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education and experiences. 

Zaha Hadid Architects works in collaboration with Singapore-based architecture practice Architects 61 on the project. 

The design, inspired by the natural landscape of Singapore’s Jurong Lake Gardens, incorporates five interlocking rectangular volumes that have large urban windows to grasp views from every perspective.

A variety of exhibition galleries, interactive labs, event spaces, ancillary facilities for visitors, administrative offices, archives and service areas are scattered in these volumes. 

Landscaped plaza con- necting visitors to the new Science Centre building, lake and secondary forest. The image is an artist’s impression, and final design may be subject to changes

"The new Science Centre will continue the institution's mission since its founding in 1977 to spark curiosity and innovation in generations of young school children and plans to leverage the new location and facilities to expand its outreach enabling Singaporeans of all ages to encounter and appreciate the importance of science and technology in their lives," said Zaha Hadid Architects. 

The scheme incorporates large windows serving as 'monocles' which are installed strategically to offer different vistas towards the lake. 

ZHA orients each of the new Science Centre’s five volumes into the site to enhance the relationships between the centre’s indoor and outdoor spaces. 

Night view of new Science Centre’s Observatory. The image is an artist’s impression, and final design may be subject to changes

The complex as a whole seems appearing to float above the surrounding parkland. Alongside its rigid geometry, the design defines a series of courtyards and gardens leading from the adjacent MRT station towards the pagoda within the Chinese Garden. 

Besides learning spaces together with diverse indoor, outdoor and rooftop spaces, the new Science Centre is planned to be built as "an exciting destination" to merge science and nature as well as offering many opportunities for community events.

The new center will feature a Children’s Gallery doubling the size of the existing gallery, with its own interactive outdoor waterplay area, discovery trails in the secondary forest as well as a sensory trail on the roof garden. 

Thanks to specialised labs and workshops, older visitors are encouraged to have hands-on learning of scientific concepts.

Outdoor Activity Plaza of the new Science Centre - A venue for Place-making and Community Events. The image is an artist’s impression, and final design may be subject to changes

For instance, the design consists of the new Eco-Lab that is aimed to support students in scientific investigations, where they can retrieve and analyse samples taken directly from the Eco-Garden. 

"The lab will continue to monitor the data collected from the samples with Internet of Things (IoT) equipment using their personal learning devices in school or at home, extending their learning experiences beyond their visit," as ZHA explained. 

"Through its programmes and exhibitions, the centre will also educate visitors on sustainability practices such as vertical farming systems," the office added.

The project will also feature a new Observatory where young astronomers can learn about the universe, as well as a Digital Fabrication Lab with incubator programmes to nurture entrepreneurial aspirations.

View of the new Science Centre for visitors arriving by MRT. The image is an artist’s impression, and final design may be subject to changes

In addition, young inventors will be able to use a Makerspace where they can turn their imagination into life. Activity Plaza, which is a new outdoor space, will be a focal point of the centre and offer STEM programmes and community activities.

ZHA's project is designed in line with the Singapore Green Plan 2030, aiming to incorporate sustainable design principles and energy performance strategies to reduce net carbon emissions. 

To achieve this, ZHA is working with environmental consultant Atelier Ten. The projects targets to receive the BCA Green Mark Platinum Super Low Energy certification with outdoor zones shaded from the sun yet exposed to the prevailing winds. 

"Natural ventilation and controlled daylight will reduce energy usage while enhancing visitors’ experience and wellbeing. Photovoltaics and insulating roof gardens will contribute towards renewable energy goals," explained ZHA. 

"High efficiency space conditioning with an intelligent building management system will aim to reduce energy consumption by over 40% while holistic water management and landscaping are planned to conserve and restore native plant communities," the office added.

Located next to Chinese Garden MRT station, the new Science Centre is planned to open its doors around 2027. The opening date of the center also coincides with the 50th anniversary of the institution. 

Gallery exhibits in new Science Centre. The image is an artist’s impression, and final design may be subject to changes. Render © SCB

"Our ambition for the new Science Centre is to be a truly rewarding destination for all ages and abilities. The universal design principles of the new building will facilitate equal opportunities for all visitors, regardless of demographic or learning abilities," said Associate Professor Lim Tit Meng, Chief Executive of Science Centre Board.

"We have also been experimenting with new programmes and exhibition formats at the current site, taking note of the best practices we can apply to provide enhanced experiences to our audiences." 

"Top of the list is to seek community partnerships to ensure we co-create a place that individuals will not only want to visit, but also leave feeling more curious about science," Meng added.

Bird’s eye view of new Science Centre. The image is an artist’s impression, and final design may be subject to changes

"We have great confidence in the new Science Centre’s potential to drive growth in STEM education and exploration across the region, as STEM industries play a key role in shaping our post-pandemic future," Ms Tan Yen Yen, Chairman of Science Centre Board. 

"I’d like to express my appreciation to the Ministry of Education and all our partners for their belief in the Centre’s ability to inspire generations, and their unwavering support in helping to deepen the impact of our work," Yen added.

Zaha Hadid Architects recently revealed vision for ODESA EXPO 2030 masterplan made of "redeployable" pavilions in Ukraine. The office is also working on a "stratified" sports centre for Hangzhou.

Project Team

Architect: Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA)
Design: Patrik Schumacher
ZHA Project Directors: Michele Pasca Di Magliano, Maurizio Meossi
ZHA Project Associate: Cristina Capanna
ZHA Project Team (Design Development Stage): Benedetta Cavaliere, Damir Alispahic, Didem Sahin, Flavia Santos, Gabriele De Giovanni, Gizem Mutharoğlu, Juan Pablo Londono, Lara Zakhem, Lorena Espaillat Bencosme, Luciana Maia Teodozio, Mauro Sabiu, Sara Criscenti, Shi Qi Tu, Valeria Perco

ZHA Project Team (Concept and Schematic Design Stages): Jakub Klaska, Cristina Capanna, Bogdan Zaha, Millicent Anderson, Sara Criscenti, Chantal Matar, Arian Hakimi, Stefano Iacopini, Serra Pakalin, Stefano Paiocchi, Martina Rosati, Harry Spraiter, Maria Touloupou, Sven Torres, Shi Qi Tu, Alessandro Cascone, Zsuzsanna Barát

ZHA Competition Project Directors: Michele Pasca Di Magliano, Maurizio Meossi
ZHA Competition Associate: Jakub Klaska
ZHA Competition Project Architects: Cristina Capanna, Mario Mattia
ZHA Competition Project Lead Designer: Bogdan Zaha
ZHA Competition Team: Saman Dadgostar, Arya Safavi, Sven Torres, Michela Falcone, Natasha Marks, Serra Pakalin, Billy Webb, Michael On, Neil Rigden, Alex Turner, Damiano Rizzini, Christina Christodoulidou

Consultants

Lead Architect: Architects 61 Pte
Local Architect: Architects 61 Pte
Structural Engineering: WEB Structures
Quantity Surveyor: Rider Levett Bucknall LLP
Cost Consultants: Rider Levett Bucknall LLP
Environmental Consultant: Atelier Ten
Façade Engineering: Koltay Facades
MEP: Beca Carter Holling & Wilke Pte Ltd
Transport Consultant: Vertix Asia-Pacific Pte Ltd
Landscape Consultant: Grant Associates Singapore Pte Ltd
Lighting Design: Nipek Pte Ltd
Acoustic Consultant: Shen Milsom & Wilke
Design for Safety Consultant: PH Consulting Pte Ltd
Security and Blast: Beth-El (Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd
Signage & Way Finding Consultant: Radical Design Partnership Pte Ltd

Top image: Waterfront view of new Science Centre. The image is an artist’s impression, and final design may be subject to changes. 

All renderings © Negativ unless otherwise stated. 

> via ZHA 

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