Experimenta Science Centre

The Experimenta Science Centre extension, runner-up in the Shopping and Business Centres category of the Grand Prix international architecture contest, was designed by Sauerbruch Hutton and is located in Heilbronn, an island on river Neckar, in Germany. The centre covers an area of 17,720 sq.m and was conceived as a helicoidal sequence of steel and glass spaces that blend the interiors with the surrounding landscape. This super-modern complex has many striking features, and its beautiful flooring is one of them. Porcelain stoneware pentagons (60x60 cm) from the Architecture collection in Cool Grey, Medium Grey, and Dark Grey create a harmonious geometric pattern consistent with the entire project’s volumetric dynamism. After crossing the spacious foyer, visitors can move up along the helix through four floors of themed exhibition spaces focusing on science and technology. Younger visitors will love the interactive multimedia installations that allow them to apply what they’ve just learnt. The themed areas on each floor are laid out in a staggered horseshoe pattern around the building’s core, where the interactive stations are located. Finally, continuing along the helix, you get to a beautiful panoramic terrace overlooking the entire Neckar valley and the rooftop planetarium and auditorium. Moving downwards to the basement, you’ll find the 360° Science Dome theatre and spaces for temporary exhibitions. The Experimenta Science Centre makes learning about science and technology fun and easy, and this educational purpose is reinforced by the experimental approach of its architecture.

Sauerbruch Hutton