Hoehler + alSalmy

History Of Science Centre

History Of Science Centre
© Capture Media

HISTORY OF SCIENCE CENTRE

Hoehler + alSalmy

ARCHITECTS
Hoehler + alSalmy

AREA
3600 m²

PHOTOGRAPHS
Capture Media, Nathan McCall, Osama Al Kharusi, Gijo Paul George

YEAR
2016

LOCATION
Halban, Oman

CATEGORY
Science Center

Text description provided by architect.

The History of Science Centre acts as a mediator bringing past Islamic sciences of the "golden age" in relation to the current university studies at the German University of Technology (GUtech) in Halban, Oman.

History Of Science Centre
© Osama Al Kharusi
History Of Science Centre
© Osama Al Kharusi

The building aims to create a link between art and science with nature and geometry whilst symbolizing infinity and divinity.

Numerous innovative techniques were used to deliver the successful design of the project. The building is divided into two sections; an external geometrical standalone concrete shell enveloping the inner building.

History Of Science Centre
© Capture Media
History Of Science Centre
© Capture Media

The chosen geometric pattern of the shell structure was derived from the Qarawiyyin Mosque and University (AD 857) known as the centre of knowledge and science for the entire Mediterranean region.

The width of the geometrical pattern changes according to the direction of the sun; controlling both the temperature and light of the space whilst adding to the architectural significance of the structure.

History Of Science Centre
© Capture Media
History Of Science Centre
© Gijo Paul George

The entire internal surface is inclined in accordance with the sun and wind direction to further assist with the temperature control element.

The main entrance to the building is highly defined by the purposely placed cut pattern. On the ground floor, a free-standing box protected and wrapped by the facade provides 1,200sqm of exhibition space.

History Of Science Centre
© Hoehler + alSalmy
History Of Science Centre
© Osama Al Kharusi

The area will be used as a temporary area for visiting exhibitions. 

This, together with a heritage research library, a coffee shop and a children’s play area overlook a dhow placed in the shallow birth; made to resemble a marina as a tribute to Oman’s prolific seafaring history.

History Of Science Centre
© Osama Al Kharusi
History Of Science Centre
© Gijo Paul George

The dhow was specially made and built for the Centre using traditional building techniques as a replica of old Omani vessels.

At the center of the building are two endless staircases creating an architectural journey rising to the first floor comprising the main exhibition of artifacts from around the globe, including an active sundial that utilizes a specific hole in the geometrical shell to tell the time.

History Of Science Centre
© Osama Al Kharusi
History Of Science Centre
© Gijo Paul George

Each 2-scaled window pattern is derived from the hourly sunspots, arising from the sun’s position on 21st July 2016.

The Exhibition Gallery contains a range of international historical artifacts displaying the development of applied science from the early age of classical Greek-Roman era, through to the Islamic period and into the present society.

History Of Science Centre
© Nathan McCall
History Of Science Centre
© Osama Al Kharusi

The gallery is divided into three sections; the first segment holds a permeant exhibition displaying a diverse range of Mathematical, Geological, Navigational, Astrological, Optical and Mechanical instruments, artefacts and interactive displays.

The second section contains the Scientific Library of History of Science. The final section is for educational programs which will be linked to the academic programs at the GUtech university.

History Of Science Centre
© Osama Al Kharusi
History Of Science Centre
© Hoehler + alSalmy

The sloped central square in front of the university campus expands as a public area to the ground floor of the building.

The central square is formed based on the lines of the geometrical pattern that extend to create a carpet-like effect with green islands and water features.

History Of Science Centre
© Osama Al Kharusi
History Of Science Centre
© Capture Media

The project did not differ from the original design and has been constructed as per the given specifications as an exact replica of the original assembled model.

The construction was finalized within schedule and budget parameters, with zero reported injuries and to full satisfaction and exceeded expectation from all involved parties. The first exhibition will be open to the public this late 2018.

History Of Science Centre
© Osama Al Kharusi


History Of Science Centre
© Osama Al Kharusi
History Of Science Centre
© Osama Al Kharusi
History Of Science Centre
© Osama Al Kharusi
History Of Science Centre
© Osama Al Kharusi
History Of Science Centre
© Osama Al Kharusi
History Of Science Centre
© Capture Media
History Of Science Centre
© Osama Al Kharusi
History Of Science Centre
© Gijo Paul George


History Of Science Centre
© Capture Media
History Of Science Centre
© Capture Media
History Of Science Centre
© Nathan McCall
History Of Science Centre
© Gijo Paul George
History Of Science Centre
© Osama Al Kharusi
History Of Science Centre
© Osama Al Kharusi
History Of Science Centre
© Hoehler + alSalmy
History Of Science Centre
© Hoehler + alSalmy
History Of Science Centre
© Osama Al Kharusi
History Of Science Centre
© Hoehler + alSalmy


History Of Science Centre
Section B


History Of Science Centre
Model
History Of Science Centre
Idea / Project


History Of Science Centre
Elevations
History Of Science Centre
Plan

Hoehler + alSalmy
T +968 22 352222 F +968 22 352200
Hoehler + alSalmy
2nd floor, office 201, Dauhat Al Adab St, Muscat 111, Oman