Development & architecture

A whale, a shell, or maybe a giant pistachio? When it comes to the appearance of the striking Science Center building, interpretations differ considerably. Bremen-based architect Thomas Klumpp has not only succeeded in lighting a firework of associations with his design, but also in taking the idea of a science center to the outside of the building itself. In 2000 the Universum® was built, following his design, using 6, 000 cubic metres of concrete, countless prefabricated parts, steel girders weighing several tons and various wooden structures. About 40,000 stainless steel shingles cover the outside of the building.

Since 2007, the rust-red cube has been complementing the innovative architecture of the Science Center with its own clear style. The simple, classic cube shape of the building with its facade made of rust-red corten steel creates a fascinating contrast. On the first floor the ceiling height is over six metres, allowing fascinating micro-architecture to be installed for the special exhibitions.

Idea, design and construction of the Schaubox are the work of Bremen architects Haslob Kruse + Partner. The same architects also designed the “Turm der Lüfte”, an architecturally unique observation and experimentation tower in the outside area.

The outside area was designed by the landscape architects of planungsgruppe grün from Bremen. Various landscape elements and exhibits blend to form a coherent and harmonious whole.