Science Centre AHHAA
SCIENCE CENTRE AHHAA
ARCHITECTS
Künnapu & Padrik Architects
MANUFACTURERS
RHEINZINK, Arcwood, Parmet, Wallenium OÜ
PHOTOGRAPHS
Arne Maasik
AREA
10130.0 sqm
YEAR
2011
LOCATION
Tartu, Estonia
CATEGORY
Shopping Centers
Text description provided by architect.
The Science Centre forms a joint whole with the earlier Tigutorn (Snail Tower).
The idea of Tigutorn’s design was a cosmic spiral, whereas the Science Centre rests on the shape of Vesica Piscis, known in sacred geometry, which has been hidden in the design’s main image.
The Centre constitutes the roots of the spiral tower. The cupola, half-cupola, globe and box together produce a constructivist composition, where the connecting elements are vertical communication shafts and horizontal spans, which can be observed both inside and outside.
The building contains universal rooms with exhibition halls. There are two auditoriums, offices, a shop, restaurant and cafe. Inside the globe is the planetarium.
The materials are metal, concrete and glass. The cupolas are covered with anodised aluminium and the globe with titanium zinc tin.
The cupola ribs are glue-laminated wooden arches, the globe’s ribs are a metal lattice girder.
