SMUD MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & CURIOSITY
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA
After being vacant and dilapidated for decades, a historic electrical power station from 1912, was brought back to life and preserved into what is now called the SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity (formerly known as the Powerhouse Science Center). The 30,000 square feet structure underwent a full rehabilitation. In addition, a 22,000 square feet building was added which hosts exhibits, classrooms, offices, a café, and a planetarium which seats 120 people.
The project was put on hold due to its historic nature, concerns of flooding, environmental protests, and the financial complexity of the project. Unfortunately, I left the firm before being able to follow this project through to completion. Museum was completed in 2021 and am excited to have been part of the design process.
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A fun design fact:
the lines painted on the exterior of the new building reflect the orbits from our polar satellites as they circle the Earth, as well as lines that connect local/global geographical points of interests. These lines were to be carried out into the interior spaces and exterior landscape as if creating multiple planes by applying different finishes, building materials, hardscape vs landscape and reveals. Apparently, this idea did not make it fully through to the construction of the building, but the lines are still visible on the exterior façade and are showcased in some building elements inside.
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Professional Photos by Kyle Jeffers
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SMUD Museum of Science & Curiosity