New Science and Technology Museum of Henan Province by TJAD Atelier L+

The New Science and Technology Museum of Henan Province stands as a landmark of scientific and cultural innovation in the Central Plains, embodying the region’s rich heritage while projecting its technological aspirations. Drawing inspiration from Heluo Culture and the confluence of the Yellow and Luo Rivers, the architecture evokes natural forms and dynamic motion, reminiscent of a bird spreading its wings—a symbol of knowledge and exploration. Strategically sited in the Baisha Xianghu Planning Area of Zhengzhou, the museum integrates three institutions: the Science Museum, the Nature Museum, and the Astronomy Museum, making it one of the largest and most significant science centers in China.

Concept and Urban Integration

The museum is conceived as a prototype of environmental intelligent construction, leveraging natural forces and advanced spatial design to minimize material usage and energy consumption. A trident fractal layout aligns with prevailing wind directions, enhancing natural ventilation, while a 3-meter elevated plinth ensures flood resilience. The design bridges the museum with the adjacent Guibiao Tower, forming a seamless integration of plazas, exhibition grounds, and waterfront spaces, where indoor and outdoor realms blend in layered, continuous sequences.

At the core of the project lies a 3,000-square-meter central atrium, featuring a triple-floor steel truss skybridge and interwoven public platforms that establish a dynamic orbital-like circulation. The atrium houses China’s largest indoor full-dome cinema, serving as both a visual and experiential focal point. Radiating from this central space are nearly 20 large exhibition halls, thematically organized around Nature, Astronomy, and Intelligence, creating a clear and intuitive flow for visitors.

Architectural Form and Façade

Guided by the principle of “form follows flow,” the building’s fluid geometry is derived from parametric simulations and wind tunnel testing. Its double-layer aluminum façade, generated parametrically, forms a fish-scale-like freeform surface that balances aesthetic expression with environmental performance. The atrium incorporates a thermal chimney and adjustable aluminum panels, enabling natural airflow while producing rhythmic light and shadow patterns throughout the day.

The museum’s structural system, consisting of 80-meter steel truss bridges, resolves torsional challenges posed by the complex form. BIM and 3D scanning technologies were employed extensively, ensuring precise construction of vast spaces, complex curtain walls, and the intricate freeform façade. This integration of digital design and advanced fabrication methods facilitated both efficiency and accuracy in delivering one of China’s most ambitious public projects.

Interior Experience and Visitor Engagement

Inside, visitors encounter an environment where architecture mediates the flow of movement and discovery. Interwoven platforms, elevated walkways, and open atrium spaces guide circulation intuitively, enhancing engagement with exhibits while fostering social interaction. The use of large-scale volumes, daylighting strategies, and dynamic perspectives creates an immersive educational experience that resonates with both children and adults.

Sustainability and Innovation

The museum exemplifies sustainable design principles, incorporating passive environmental control systems, natural ventilation, and daylighting optimization. Its design reduces reliance on mechanical systems, meeting the three-star standard of The Green Building Evaluation Label. Through a combination of environmental responsiveness, advanced engineering, and parametric design, the museum represents a new model for high-performance, large-scale cultural infrastructure.

Recognition and Impact

Since opening, the New Science and Technology Museum of Henan Province has become a major educational and cultural destination, attracting nearly 6.5 million visitors within its first year, with peak daily attendance reaching 27,000. The project has received numerous accolades, including the Shanghai Survey and Design Public Building Award (First Prize), the Huaxia Architecture Science and Technology Award (Second Prize), the Henan Provincial Award for Civil and Architectural Science & Technology (Architectural Design, First Prize), and the China Construction Engineering Luban Prize (National Quality Project).

Through its synthesis of culture, technology, and environmental intelligence, the museum stands as a symbol of Henan’s commitment to innovation, embodying the convergence of heritage and modernity while redefining the public experience of science and technology.

Photography: Schran Image & ZY Architectural Photography