Since the very first age, HUMAN BEING was attract to explore the complexity of the limitless universe and the social relations between people. Science is aimed by the curiosity about the sourrouding world and the inner self, ESSENTIAL FOR UNDERSTANDING NOT ONLY WHAT WE ARE, UT ALSO WHAT WE ARE TO BECOME, in light of our purposes, goals and interests. For this reason, the Science and Innovation Centre aims to represent not only scientific enterprises, but in particular it will celebrate the desire to go beyond of the human being, through researches and cohoperative activities.

The Centre would be harmonically placed into the natural context of Kaunas Island, becoming a new EPICENTER for the city, and establishing a deep relationship with exsisting buildings. Its shape is designed to welcome the pedestrian BRIDGE linking the Congress Center to the Island, and that symbolizes the aim of MOVING FORWARD of the human evolution and the scientific discoveries.

The external architecture design aims to present an ATTRACTIVE AND WELCOMING BUILDING, expressing the functional concept of the Science Centre in an innovative way. The outside is not forced into a pre-configurated and self-referential design, but it CHANGES and TRANSFORMS ITSELF ACCORDING TO THE TIME, THE CONTEXT AND THE VISITORS, representing the innovation of science and the evolving ability of the human.

The INTERNAL PUBLIC SPACE is the etrance to the Centre, as a foyer that welcomes visitors inviting them to find out museum galleries, and offering a space to STAY and COHABIT. It is a COMPARTMENTALIZED space, flexible and conformable according to the times and the needs, where the main important amenities are accessible both from the inside and the outside, without compromising the building’s security.

About the MUSEUM SPACES, the main idea put the visitor at the centre of the Science World, stimulating his learning and encouraging the discovery of the Galleries. They are visually connected allowing a deep and intimate connection among them, as in the real world happens, where they constantly cohabit. As a symbol of scientific achievements, the design ensures a flexible and efficient building, able to adapt itself over time, performing multiple functions in a single space, with a careful and organized planning of interior paths and orientation.

The project promotes scientific innovations and new researches and discoveries throught its contents, but at the same time, it aims to be itself an example of sustainable design and construction practice. It would face over time and to changing sourrounding conditions, adapting itself to the different levels of the water of Nemunas River, during the winter and summer time. It incorporates the passive design strategies of natural ventilation, daylighting and solar heat gain, ENSURING the energy efficiency and comfort WORKING SPACES.

The facade system is composed by a typical ceramic cladding, covering glass or matt layers. The structure will be made of glued laminated timber, resistant and sustainable at the same time, while the vierendeel system adopted ensures high spans, necessary for the functions housed into the gallery. The key idea is to promote the Science and Innovation Centre as a place able to foster an enduring relationship with science and innovation, communicating knowledge and expanding understanding through hands-on activities and play.

TA.R.I Architects