Copenhagen-based NORD Architects has released an initial set of renderings for a new Marine Education Centre in Malmö, Sweden. The Danish studio and their primary advisor Grontmij won the chance to design the project, which architecturally aims to blur the distinction between indoor and outdoor spaces, through a private competition.
The visitor center envelopes the landscape with a large roof that is topped with triangular fins containing solar panels, which harvest solar energy for the building’s heating system. A rainwater tank will collect the water used throughout the structure. Inside, the center’s water handling, energy consumption, and ventilation will all be displayed as part of the learning experience.
The 32,292-square-foot design will feature a series of removable “floating laboratories,” or small ponds, representing distinct marine ecologies that visitors can observe from above or through attached underwater binoculars.
“We have developed a learning landscape where education is everywhere. It is in the landscape, in the building, and in the transition between nature and culture. The centre is open for everyone who is interested in the role we as humans play in nature’s life cycle. It allows a hands on learning experience that invites users to explore using their senses in the field, and thereafter analyze and understand their observations of the marine life”, says Johannes Molander Pedersen, partner at NORD Architects in a press release issued by the firm.
The Education Centre is slated for completion in 2016.
More by NORD Architects at the Sydney Opera House here.
