The Connecticut Science Center
About
THIS PROJECT
The Connecticut Science Center is a 160,000 SF, interactive facility including exhibits, galleries, plaza level and programs for familiar and emerging topics in biology, chemistry, physics, and earth and space science. The building has five 7,500 SF exhibit floors and was constructed on a tight, urban site in downtown Hartford with a 215,600 SF underground parking garage. There is also an exterior video display wall allowing rotating advertisements or graphic displays to be visible from off-site. The facility also includes:
- Multiple interactive exhibits
- Children's gallery
- Atrium
- Exploration spaces
- 3D digital theater
- Discovery space lab
- Teaching spaces/community room
- Café and gift shop
PROJECT OVERVIEW
LOCATION:
Hartford, Connecticut
Northeast
CLIENT:
Connecticut Science Center
INDUSTRY:
Museums, Zoos, Aquariums
PRACTICES:
Advanced Delivery Methods
Sustainability
SQUARE FEET
ABOVE S/MBE GOAL
ACTIVITIES AND EXHIBITS
The Science Center is comprised of two towers that are interconnected by Science Alley, an eight-story atrium that is covered by a magic carpet roof. Science Alley is a central circulation point that connects visitors to other exhibits in the facility. The cantilevered stairs and internal bridges allow visitors to experience Science Alley from multiple levels. The lower levels of the facility include a separate laboratory and lunch room learning areas that connect the garage with the Science Center. At the plaza level, the building connects to the adjacent Convention Center and Riverfront Recaptured venues and creates an open, outdoor space for public and private gatherings.
This project achieved LEED® Gold certification and includes a fuel cell that generates energy on site, recycled content building materials, roof garden and a photovoltaic wall.
