Hamburg, Germany

Hamburg Science Center

Image courtesy of the Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA) © All rights resereved

The complex, comprising of the Science Center, Aquarium and Science Theatre, is located at the entrance to the Magdeburger harbour and sits at the end point of an urban axis from the inner Alster to the river Elbe. Situated at the waterfront in close proximity to container and cruise ships, the building marks the connection between the harbour and the city.

Image courtesy of the Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA) © All rights resereved

The Science Center will become a hub for scientific study in Hamburg and help strengthen the citys educational profile creating a place for the next generation of scientists to study and share knowledge. Not only will the Science Centre be linked to many other institutes in Hamburg but it will also become the generating force for innovative education and be a cultural highlight in itself.

Image courtesy of the Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA) © All rights resereved

The Science Centre is constructed of 10 modular blocks that connect to form a ring shaped building. This shape and the maritime power and mass of the individual blocks resemble the character of the historical, urban waterfront development..Therefore, the building is a symbol of Hamburgs economic strength and a representation of the citys interest in technology and science.

Image courtesy of the Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA) © All rights resereved

The exhibiton space also works on a modular principle similar to the building. This gives the curators of the space a great deal of freedom and flexibility. A variety of subjects will be able to go on display making the exhibiton centre a stage for not only scientific research but also for all aspects of our modern life.

Image courtesy of the Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA) © All rights resereved

The Science Center addresses not only environmental issues but also programmatic sustainability.

Image courtesy of the Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA) © All rights resereved

The function of the ten blocks that make up the building allow for large scale programmatic changes on a daily basis. The central structure accommodates the vertical circulation whereas the blocks on the west and east side are used as exhibition spaces. The curator is able to generate shortcuts, changes or create connections by means of moveable partitions.

With three terraces surrounding the building the Science Centre allows access to the Hamburg city centre as well as to the West and East sides of the Magdeburg harbour. This three way axis will link the various parts of the city and bring new life into the Hafencity. It enables direct interaction between visitors and passers-by functioning as an urban stage. Various events taking place on top of the individual plateaus of the building as well as the restaurants on the terrace of the Belle Etage will stimulate activity in the Hafencity.

Project Architect: Marc Paulin

Team: Mark Balzar, David Brown, Alexander Giarlis, Sangwook Park, Joao Ruivo, Richard Sharam, Anatoly Travin

Engineers: Binnewies GmbH, Hamburg

Fire services: HHP, Berlin

Scenography: Ducks Scéno, France

Lighting: LKL