As part of its mission to educate and engage the public in science, and to share knowledge and technology with society, CERN is launching the Science Gateway, a new facility for scientific education and outreach. The purpose of the project is to create a hub of scientific education and culture to inspire younger generations with the beauty of science. Aimed at engaging audiences of all ages, the Science Gateway will include inspirational exhibition spaces, laboratories for hands-on scientific experiments for children and students from primary to high-school level, and a large amphitheatre to host science events for experts and non-experts alike.
With a footprint of 7000 square meters, the building designed by Renzo Piano Building Workshop will offer a variety of spaces and activities, including exhibitions explaining the secrets of nature, from the very small (elementary particles) to the very large (the structure and evolution of the universe). The exhibitions will also feature CERN's accelerators, experiments and computing, how scientists use them in their exploration and how CERN technologies benefit society. Hands-on experimentation will be a key ingredient in the Science Gateway's educational programme, allowing visitors to get first-hand experience of what it's like to be a scientist. The immersive activities available in the Science Gateway will foster critical thinking, evidence-based assessment and use of the scientific method, important tools in all walks of life.
The project will be funded through external donations, with the leading contribution coming from FCA Foundation, a charitable foundation created by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. Construction is planned to start in 2020 and to be completed in 2022.
The Science Gateway involves Renzo Piano Building Workshop, architects, in collaboration with Brodbeck Roulet Architectes Associés (Geneva)
Design team: A.Belvedere, L.Piazza (partner and associate in charge). Consultants: Arup / EDMS (structure); Transsolar (sustainability); SRG (MEP); Müller BBM (acoustics); Emmer Pfenninger (façades); Changement à vue (A/V, heater equipment); Arup (lighting); Charpente Concept (fire prevention); Atelier Descombes Rampini (landscaping).
Image above: © RPBW