The Architectural Bureau Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) has recently completed the Museum of Science and Fantasy in Chenddu, China. The building features a striking and unique form, resembling an expanding cloud of nebula with a star at its center. Its interior is designed in a futuristic style that would not be out of place in a science fiction film.
The museum is situated in Canddu, the capital of the Sichuan province in China, which is home to around 20 million people. The city is surrounded by beautiful mountains and forests, and boasts a rich history spanning thousands of years.
The museum covers a total area of 59,000 square meters and includes exhibition halls, conference rooms, galleries, and theaters. The central atrium space is spacious and filled with natural light thanks to a large skylight.
ZHA has emphasized the integration of the museum with the surrounding natural landscapes along the lake coast. The design creates activity nodes connected by pedestrian routes that extend from the city through the adjacent park and into the heart of the building.
Inside the museum, natural ventilation is utilized, and energy consumption is reduced with the help of a large solar collector on the roof. Landscaping also plays a significant role, as the adjacent lake is used to collect and store rainwater, which is then filtered and utilized within the building.
The museum was officially opened a few days ago and has already become the venue for WorldCon, the world’s largest science fiction event. Additionally, it hosted the Hugo Award, which was held in China for the first time.