Proposal for Sciense and Knowledge Centre in Riga, Daugavgrivas iela

Jevgenijs Busins as Architects

The project of the science and knowledge centre was created as a course work in Riga Technical University. The imaginary construction site of the academic project is Zunda Canal Quay in Riga, the capital of Latvia. The course work brief included development of the multi-functional centre building project, which should combine Science and Technology Museum, educational research centre, library, small research centre and technology centre. The degraded territory of the former industrial area in the city centre was selected as a construction site. The aim of the project was defined as the creation of a new urban activity centre, serving as a social attractor, which could increase the interest in science among all the inhabitants of Riga.


The main idea of the project is to use scientific models to create a scientific space. The shape and geometry of the building is a giant museum exhibit itself. How is this possible? The shape of the building is nothing less than Bianchi-Pinkall Tori. The Bianchi-Pinkall tori is one of the most famous differential surfaces. In mathematics, a minimal surface is a surface with a mean curvature of zero. These include, but are not limited to, surfaces of minimum area subject to various constraints. Differential surfaces, including minimal surfaces, are complex nonlinear surfaces with many unusual properties. For example, these surfaces can create a thin shell structure, and decrease the building materials expenses. Using the differential surface for the formation of scientific space, we find the metaphor - the building of the science museum itself is the embodiment of science.


The Bianchi-Pinkall Tori is extraordinary appropriate for the Science Centre with large exhibitions. The form is a conventional three ring combination, which interpenetrate so that each ring is a continuation of another. Thus, walking through the gallery, a visitor gets a fantastic experience of being in the three spaces simultaneously.


Challenges: This project is one of the first in the world when the whole building is described by a mathematical formula. The shape of the building is a formula of the differential equation.


Social impact: the task of the centre is to provide great opportunities to citizens of Riga in the field of science, knowledge, research, scientific and popular art and education.


Environmental impact: the curvilinear shape of the building merges with the park planned around the centre. The main task in the environmental aspect is to equip degraded former industrial area - through the creation of green space and a centre of knowledge and innovation.

Project Spotlight
Product Spotlight
News
PLATO Gallery of Contemporary Art: Architecture finalist in Mies van der Rohe Awards 2024
29 Mar 2024 News
PLATO Gallery of Contemporary Art: Architecture finalist in Mies van der Rohe Awards 2024

In this Archello series, we look at each of the seven nominated projects (five architecture finalist... More

Detail: sliding panels of natural pine protect a residential complex from the Mallorcan sun
29 Mar 2024 Detail
Detail: sliding panels of natural pine protect a residential complex from the Mallorcan sun

Spanish architecture firm OHLAB has recently completed Paseo de Mallorca 15, a residential complex o... More

Snøhetta designs new extension for the world’s oldest ski museum in Oslo
28 Mar 2024 News
Snøhetta designs new extension for the world’s oldest ski museum in Oslo

Global transdisciplinary architecture and design practice Snøhetta has designed a new entranc... More

10 public buildings that demonstrate architectural applications of precast concrete
27 Mar 2024 Specification
10 public buildings that demonstrate architectural applications of precast concrete

Precast concrete is made by casting concrete in a reusable mold. These molds are made of various mat... More

Sameep Padora and Associates creates a flowing, organic art center in southern India
26 Mar 2024 News
Sameep Padora & Associates creates a flowing, organic art center in southern India

Mumbai-based Sameep Padora & Associates (sP+a) has completed Hampi Art Labs in Toranagallu, a vi... More

Introducing Partner Thermory AS
26 Mar 2024 Partner News
Introducing Partner Thermory AS

Thermory AS offers a diverse product range that includes durable exterior cladding, decking, interio... More

Brooklyn Tower by ShOP Architects showcases a unique materiality
25 Mar 2024 News
Brooklyn Tower by ShOP Architects showcases a unique materiality

Brooklyn Tower, standing an impressive ninety-three stories tall with a unique neo-deco crown, is al... More

Doriana Fuksas, Martin Lesjak, Li Xiang and Steven Wright join Archello Awards 2024 jury
25 Mar 2024 Archello Awards
Doriana Fuksas, Martin Lesjak, Li Xiang and Steven Wright join Archello Awards 2024 jury

Doriana Fuksas, Martin Lesjak, Li Xiang and Steven Wright have been announced as Archello Awards 202... More