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Science Island Neumas - Kaunas, Lithuania

Science Island must be an icon of the paradigm between the natural landscape, mankind’s intrinsic curiosity of the complexity of our universe, and the responsibility we have within it. Its ultimate aim is to achieve a high quality physical and intellectual landmark institution in the dissemination of knowledge. Architectural syntax plays an active role in the interpretation of that knowledge.

The 33-hectare Nemunas Island in Kaunas – with its central, accessible location, river views and green, open space – was suggested as the site for the planned National Science and Innovation Centre.

SPACE BETWEEN NATURE AND MANKIND
The design follows an empathic approach unique to the surrounding ecology, specifically investigating the arrangement of flora scattered across the island. This results in a design that does not merely regard the island as a site to build on, but rather a set of conditions with which to derive a new spatial paradigm extrapolated from within its system. A promenade through the Center itself follows a route along the inner face of its bioclimatic skin, formally generated by architecturally modelling Alan Turing’s equation on Morpho- genesis; its Stratiform curating a kaleidoscopic visual journey of the Island and the urban silhouette beyond. The clustering of its volumes utilizes these visual corridors and maximizes daylight and ventilation potentials within its internal arrangement; a configuration of temporary and permanent exhibition galleries offering immense adaptability.

SYMBIOTIC COEXISTENCE and MATERIAL ECOLOGY
The specific material technology of the Stratiform itself will invite local cement industries to utilize Lithuania’s abundance of raw materials and will challenge evolutionary practices of high-quality cement construction, specifically techniques of Cloth-Form work. The use of fiber-cement formed in cloth formwork minimizes waste products by eliminating the formwork structures and energy. Beyond its Stratiform, a multitude of other sustainable material technologies and systems are employed within our design to ensure the sustainable lifespan of the building. Integral systems of river-heat exchangers and geothermal integrated pile foundations ensure a symbiotic coexistence of the proposal with the island.

EARTH PRESERVATION
Drawing a contrast between the island and its surrounding urban fabric, the design prioritizes the preservation of earth, the foundation of the rich floral biodiversity of the island whilst maintaining a playful association with it. This soft design approach establishes the paths of the Center within a framework of possibilities and nodal connections which, with the natural thresholds of the island generates a field of curiosity; spaces which can host exhibitions, gardens, events, or even individual moments of scientific adventure. Solar shaded and wind protected courtyards will provide comfort up to 50% of the time.