science and technology center in beijing by BL/KLM architects

science and technology center in beijing by BL/KLM architects
image by atelier B arquitectos / federico raponi
all images courtesy of BL/KLM architects

argentinian practice BL/KLM architects has been selected ahead of a list of other renowned international offices to construct a ‘science and technology center’ in beijing, china. the audacious and authoritative design serves as a space to showcase scientific and technological advancements, a social hub of public interest which reflects the growing importance of the virtual world. sited in beijing’s cultural park, the center merges with the landscape, whilst simultaneously providing a striking cultural landmark, offering an instant sense of intrigue and fantasy.

three elevated ramps connect the park with the scheme’s rooftop plaza
image by atelier B arquitectos / federico raponi

establishing a strong relationship with the natural environment, the building forms an artificial island elevated 6 meters above the surrounding lake. three elevated ramps provide access to a rooftop plaza from different areas of the park, creating a continuous pathway. this large roof space allows the public to congregate and to share knowledge and ideas learned on-site.

converging circulation routes and circular pathways continue the scientific theme of infinity 
image by atelier B arquitectos / federico raponi

the primary approach involves traversing a footbridge 1 meter below the lake’s surface. one passes inside the structure through a curtain of falling water, which encircles the design, further reinforcing the scheme’s relationship with the natural environment. once inside, elevators lead guests below ground into the center’s primary exhibition spaces. naturally lit from above, these flexible and expansive column-free volumes contain significant artefacts alongside interactive multimedia and audio-visual displays.

a curtain of falling water encircles the design
image by atelier B arquitectos / federico raponi

the theme of ‘infinity’ permeates the scheme, with converging circulation routes and circular pathways.  in winter the lake freezes over, becoming an ice-skating rink, while the water acts as a thermal barrier protecting the building from freezing temperatures. 

internal spaces at ground level offer views across the neighboring park 
image by atelier B arquitectos / federico raponi

considering how the scheme should facilitate a dialogue among science, technology, nature and mankind, the complex serves as the industrial park’s showroom, conveying the country’s intense levels of production and research – an expression of contemporary chinese industry.

elevators lead guests below ground into the center’s primary exhibition spaces
image by atelier B arquitectos / federico raponi

expansive column-free volumes contain significant artefacts alongside interactive multimedia displays
image by atelier B arquitectos / federico raponi

aerial view highlighting how the complex is integrated within its conext
image by atelier B arquitectos / federico raponi

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project info:

authors: BL/KLM architects – baudizzone lestard / klm kelly lestard maldonado arquitectos (buenos aires, argentina)
local institute: biad beijing institute of architecture design
local consultant: diagonal architecture design and consulting co. ltd

location: yizhuang district. economic, development and technology zone in beijing, china
area: 26,000 sqm

competition short list participants: herzog & de meuron architekten, zaha hadid architects, gensler, as architecture-studio, broadway malyan, atkins architecture, china state construction, rheinosche gmbh, uk engineering & design institute

collaborators: arq. matias verdi, arq juan ignacio ruffa, arq. mariana odorico, jeremias thomas, fernando schapochnik, luciano capaccioli, arq. dario storminsky, matias lastra, alejo naipauer, gabriela axelrud 

structural consultant: ing. alberto fainstein
sustainability and lead consultant: estudio grinberg

digital images: atelier b. arq. federico raponi
audiovisual: di. diego pinzon