Connecticut Science Center

Hartford, Connecticut, USA
160,000 square feet / 15,000 square meters
2009

The Connecticut Science Center captures the excitement and wonder of science. This eye-​catching science museum is part of the Adriaen’s Landing development, which includes a convention center, a major hotel, and attractions along the Connecticut River.

The Science Center is a composition of three major elements: a tower in the shape of a parallelogram, with dramatic, tilting walls; a terraced volume that steps back on one side and cantilevers outward on the other; and between the two, a narrow glass tower topped by an iconic S-​shaped roof, the project’s signature image. The building is clad in transparent glass, lightly reflective metal panels, photovoltaic panels and a large projection screen.

Visitors enter the Science Center at street level and immediately ascend a grand staircase into the building’s central volume — the narrow, 40-​meter tall “Science Alley,” topped by the curving roof and crisscrossed by pedestrian bridges. This striking space serves as a central circulation point from which visitors can discover all of the museum’s exhibitions and attractions. With its tall, east-​facing glass wall, visitors will be drawn through the space and out to a landscaped plaza with views of the Connecticut River, the symbol of Hartford’s natural and industrial heritage.

To the south of the central hall, the exhibition areas are contained within the parallelogram-​shaped tower, whose east wall tilts toward the river, creating a large observation deck. The exhibition spaces to the north of the central hall are contained within a volume that is akin to a pair of long, stacked boxes. On the street side, the second story cantilevers over the entry, and the full projecting elevation is clad in LED panels, broadcasting images. The entire north volume is covered in a roof garden.