Zaha Hadid Architects' new Science Centre has broken ground at the site adjacent to the Chinese Garden MRT station in Singapore. 

Encompassing almost a total of 55,000-square-metre area, the new centre will offer unique facilities and a wide range of programmes to drive STEM education in Singapore. 

The new centre aims to be a key landmark attraction in the Jurong Lake District. Designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, the project is developed in collaboration with Singapore-based architecture practice Architects 61. 

The scheme will be developed over a site of about 7.4 hectares, and will be about 25 per cent larger than the current Centre. 

The new Science Centre is planned to open around end-2027, conciding with its 50th anniversary.

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

The new Science Centre will be equipped with the latest technologies, offering immersive learning experiences for visitors of all ages. 

The centre will also consist of a special section, KidsSTOP, which will be more than twice its current size and will feature hands-on, interactive exhibits that encourage exploration for young children. In addition, the centre will also work with partners to develop exhibitions and programmes that will enable parents to play a bigger role in facilitating their child’s exploration of various educational activities.

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

"To cater to the interests of youths and adults, the Science Centre plans to foster more dialogue on real-world issues such as sustainability and climate change, as well as emerging technologies like generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) through workshops, exhibitions, and seminars," said Zaha Hadid Architects. 

"The Science Centre will also become a test-bed new concepts and ideas to provide a more novel experience for visitors. For example, the Centre has experimented with concepts beyond science, such as the Comic Art and Sci Fi Expo in September 2023," the firm added.

"Visitors will be able to look forward to more of such offerings with a unique scientific perspective at the Centre," ZHA explained. 

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

The Science Centre’s fire tornado show will be more spectacular at its new home at the Outdoor Amphitheatre, and will be open to the public.

Zaha Hadid Architects also stated that from 2024, visitors will be able to engage in an immersive virtual reality (VR) experience of the new Science Centre and view a physical 3D model of the new Centre, which will be hosted at the current Science Centre. Moreover, the firm added that "exhibitions allowing Singaporeans to experience potential offerings at the new Science Centre have been displayed at some schools this year, and will be roving across selected public libraries during the upcoming school holidays."

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

To increase interactivity and engagement, the new Science Centre is integrated its surrounding landscape, featuring a variety of gardens and spaces for all to enjoy. Further, members of the public will have the opportunity to interact with science exhibits along curated nature trails, and also enjoy and explore the secondary forest through the lens of science. 

The Science Centre will also co-develop learning trails and programmes with the National Parks Board (NParks), national water agency PUB, and nature groups.

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

Visitors will be able to enjoy the idyllic views of Jurong Lake and the surrounding gardens, through the large windows of the building, from the rooftop gardens, or as they stroll along the 30-m wide outdoor activity plaza linking Chinese Garden MRT station to the Jurong Lake promenade. 

The rooftop garden above the easternmost block will be an event space available for public booking. Visitors can also enjoy stargazing at the Observatory at night.

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

Zaha Hadid Architects revealed design for a new Harbourside Cultural District with sail-like roofs in Sanya. The firm also revealed design for the new Daxia Tower drawing "gently curving silhouette" in Xi’an, China. Additionally, the firm's 266,000-square-metre Taikang Financial Centre broke ground in Wuhan in May this year.

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

> via ZHA 

AI concept science centre virtual reality Zaha Hadid Architects