Project Description
FROM THE ARCHITECTS:
NIHERST’s brainchild, Science City
is integral to fulfilling its mission to spur research and innovation, shape
policy and improve STEM education for Trinidad and Tobago’s advancement. It
will serve as a national and international case study on the merging of high
performance landscapes and architecture to engage citizens, and develop
technological innovation and entrepreneurial capabilities.
In close collaboration with
NIHERST’s Board of Governors and staff, led by Professor Prakash Persad, and
other leading national scientists, ArquitectonicaGEO is serving as landscape
architect and design architect for NIHERST Science City. The multidisciplinary
team consists of experts in science and education, including: Architects of Record,
acla:works; Civil, Structural and MEP Engineers – CEP Ltd and Ramp Engineering
Services Ltd.; Quantity Surveyors, BCQS; and Exhibit Designers, Thinc.
The primary design goals include:
developing an exceptional model for designing sensitively within existing
topography; restoring environmental function; and providing a fun and
inspirational setting for science and technology education to serve as a
national and international “edu-tainment” destination.
Science City will rise upon 54
acres of fallow agricultural fields. Development
is hampered by expansive clay soils, seismic activity, and a 78 ft. elevation
change across the site. Excessive sediment runoff due to abandonment of
agricultural activity is a country-wide problem.
Visitors will circulate around and
over a central lake, which will be formed through a series of dams around which
learning landscapes and buildings will be arranged. Classroom, museum, and
support buildings will allow interaction between visitors and the surrounding
land and waterscapes. The lake is an essential exhibit feature as viewed
from the main building and patio. The outdoor rainforest serves as an
exhibition hall, and the exhibit building creates shelter for the outdoor
robotics exhibits. In this truly integrated project, there is no distinction
between landscape and architecture.
Extensive hydrological studies
evaluated the viability of a lake, potential dam locations, and solutions to
trap sediment from runoff and clarify water. The proposed hydrological system
includes on and off-site surface drainage inputs, treatment wetlands, wells,
rain gardens, riparian marshland, and bioswales, located and designed to supply
clean water to the lake. The lake’s water quality is dependent upon
restoration of the landscape, and the spillway and hydroelectric plant will
maintain the lake level and demonstrate the beauty and power of water.
The comprehensive planting
masterplan includes restoration of the native forest and associated ecological
functions. Plant communities are grouped for value as exhibits of the diverse,
often endemic plants from around the twin-island nation. Ongoing research and
documentation will be instrumental in developing guidelines for future site
restoration though reintroduction of native vegetation. The facility will have
continuing, high level leadership, engagement and monitoring from NIHERST.
The entire site has been examined
in an unprecedented, holistic manner by in-country experts invested in the
success of the project. Options were selected based on the likelihood of
significant environmental impact, enhanced experiential learning, aesthetic
considerations for users and potential donors, and cost-effectiveness. Phased
implementation will allow continued operation as later phases are constructed.
Construction began in 2015.