Slated to open in 2015, the Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science is on its way to become the world's most innovative and sustainable science museum with the structural foundation now complete and the vertical construction currently in progress. Designed by Grimshaw Architects, the 250,000 square-foot complex will harness energy from water, sun, wind and even museum visitors to power exhibits and conserve resources. More images and architects' description after the break.
Structured around a lushly landscaped indoor and outdoor “Living Core” of terrestrial and aquatic environments, the museum will feature an aquarium experience totaling over 500,000 gallons, a full dome planetarium, interactive exhibits, innovative technology and two additional wings of exhibition space, learning center and cafes.
As visitors enter the new Patricia and Philip Frost Museum of Science, they will be surrounded by lush landscaping that is built into the structure itself. The 250,000 square-foot complex is intended to act as a demonstration of ecological and sustainability principle, with the building harnessing energy from water, sun, wind and even museum visitors to power exhibits and conserve resources. At night, the Patricia and Philip Frost Museum of Science will be illuminated with various colors of light and signage, reflected on the planetarium and building structure.
Constructed on an axis, the 500,000 gallon aquarium can be accessed from all levels of the museum, including the mezzanine level, which will be available for private functions as well as public gatherings. The lower level of the museum will give visitors a glimpse into the lowest level of sea life.
The full dome, 3-D planetarium will showcase a wide range of interactive exhibits. The open plaza of the new Patricia and Philip Frost Museum of Science will lead visitors to the Energy Playground and the adjacent Jorge M. Perez Art Museum of Miami-Dade County.
