Reach for the Stars: Science Centre by White Arkitekter

The old wood-pulp plant on the university campus in Umeå will now serve to awaken enthusiasm for science and technology. The new science centre by White Arkitekter offers space for inspiration, learning, research, innovation and collaboration. The vision is one of a curiosity-driven society that can quench its thirst for knowledge on campus.

The ensemble is subdivided into two building parts. The first is the historical existing structure, whose interior has been renovated by White Arkitekter in order to connect the new elements with the industrial character of the building. The exterior appearance of the magnificent existing building has been preserved. The second part is the addition of the ultra-modern dome theatre, which forms a counterpoint to the existing structure in terms of both design and materiality.

The existing building is home to exhibition spaces, around 3,000 m² of research laboratory space, the reception, a restaurant and experiment rooms. The dome theatre is the new main attraction. In the implementation phase, it was important to the planners that the inner function of the dome should be discernible from outside as well. It is conveyed thanks to the integrated lighting design that allows the dome to shine by night in an array of colours. The metal façade of the dome gives the industrial quality of the existing building a certain contemporary look. The outer layer of the dome consists of 475 perforated triangular aluminum panels, beneath which a structure of aluminum profiles has been mounted onto a concrete frame. Inside the dome, the hemispherical screen produces virtual realities that take visitors closer to the stars. 

Further Information:

Construction company: NCC
Lighting design: White Arkitekter
Aluminium facade: Three L Technologies