Inspiria Science Center | AART architects

Inspiria Science Center is located in Sarpsborg, Norway, and uses striking architecture and interactive exhibitions to provide around 40,000 school children a year with information on renewable energy, waste avoidance and natural sciences. In this way, the science centre forges a close connection between nature, energyefficient design and the use of renewable energy. Designed with school children in mind, the science centre inspires and educates through 70 interactive experiments and exhibitions and one of the most sophisticated planetariums in northern Europe rounds off the educational offering. Even the journey to the science centre is a practical lesson in sustainability as most of the school children are taken to the centre by hybrid busses. Designed as a passive house including a wide range of eco-friendly solutions, the building design supports the activities within Inspiria Science Center. Daylight floods through the extensive glass facades and the many skylights into the exhibition halls and the two-storey atrium. In addition, a wastewater treatment plant recycles the water for use throughout the building while a wind turbine and a solar cell panel generate electricity and a solar hot water system creates domestic hot water. These facilities are not just means to an end, but are designed as a part of the exhibitions and they can be seen in action by the school children. Last, but not least, the architecture is adapted to the surrounding landscape, with the three wings radiating out from the two-storey atrium. This distinctive architecture symbolises the cycle of nature and reflects Inspiria Science Center’s key topics: health, energy, and the environment. The science centre has received several awards for its striking and sustainable architecture, including the jury’s special the jury’s special prize at the Prime Property Award 2012 which recognises the most sustainable real estate projects in Europe.