zaha hadid architects unveils interlocked 'floating' volumes for singapore's new science center

zaha hadid architects & architects 61 reveal Singapore’s new Science Center

Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA), in collaboration with Architects 61, has unveiled the design for the new Singapore Science Center. Inspired by the natural landscape of Singapore’s Jurong Lake Gardens, the project consists of five interlocking rectangular volumes that house a variety of exhibition galleries, interactive laboratories, and event spaces, as well as additional visitor facilities, administrative offices, archives, and service areas. The center is designed to provide unique opportunities for all Singaporeans to access science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and to allow guests to interact with the surrounding gardens and lake.

bird’s eye view of the new Science Center | all images by negativ

interactive play areas, specialized labs & outdoor activity spaces

The new Science Center design by the renowned team at ZHA and Singaporean architecture firm Architects 61 incorporates five volumes that appear to float above the surrounding parkland. Large windows serving as ‘monocles’ are installed in each structure to provide strategic views of the lake and enhance the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.

The new center will feature a spacious children’s gallery with a dedicated outdoor interactive water play area, discovery trails, and a sensory trail on the rooftop garden. Specialized labs and workshops will target older visitors and encourage hands-on learning of science concepts. Through its programs and exhibits, the center will also educate guests about sustainable practices such as vertical growing systems. The project will also include a new observatory where budding astronomers can learn about the universe, a Digital Fabrication Lab with incubator programs that foster entrepreneurial ambitions, and a Makerspace for young inventors to bring their imaginations to life. A new outdoor activity space will be a focal point of the center, offering STEM programs and community activities.

landscaped plaza connecting the visitors to the Science Center building, lake, and secondary forest

focusing on sustainability and reduced carbon emissions

The project is based on sustainable design principles and energy performance strategies to reduce net carbon emissions. In collaboration with Atelier Ten, ZHA and Architects 61 designed the center with the goal of achieving BCA Green Mark Platinum Super Low Energy certification, with outdoor spaces shaded but exposed to prevailing winds. Natural ventilation and controlled daylighting will reduce energy consumption while enhancing the visitor experience and well-being. Photovoltaics and insulating rooftop gardens contribute to renewable energy goals. High-efficiency indoor climate control with a smart building management system is expected to reduce energy consumption by more than 40%, while holistic water management and landscaping are planned to preserve and restore native plant communities.

view of the new Science Center for visitors arriving by MRT

opening in 2027

Located next to Chinese Garden MRT station, the new Science Center is targeted to open its doors around 2027, which also marks the 50th anniversary of the institution.

‘Our ambition for the new Science Center 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. We have also been experimenting with new programs 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.’ shares Associate Professor Lim Tit Meng, Chief Executive of Science Center Board. 

‘We have great confidence in the new Science Center’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. I’d like to express my appreciation to the Ministry of Education and all our partners for their belief in the Center’s ability to inspire generations, and their unwavering support in helping to deepen the impact of our work.’ adds Ms Tan Yen Yen, Chairman of Science Center Board.

waterfront view of the new Science Center

night view of the Science Center’s observatory 

gallery exhibits in the new Science Center

project info: 

name: New Science Center, Singapore

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 Hollings & Ferner (S.E.Asia) 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