SCIENCE CENTRE Part 1 Project 2000 Shreyas Rane University of Mumbai | India Science and technology has a profound effect on the human society and has contributed largely in guiding and shaping our society. History proves that the ancient civilizations understood the principles of science and utilized them to improve their lifestyle. The technology developed by them was an outcome of in-depth understanding of the scientific principles and a systemic analysis of the natural phenomena’s occurring in our day-to-day life. The power of questioning and the urge of finding solutions to these questions, developed science, evolved and transformed it in various fields for further specialization like, mechanics, electronics, chemistry, biology etc. What was fiction few years ago has become reality in today’s life, thus this understanding and systemic approach towards science can provide us with answer to our prime question of our origin and our end. PROGRAMME ANALYSIS Ø The centre has to promote interest and awareness in science and technology.Ø The centre has to incorporate the industries and firms (non polluting and environmentally friendly) engaged in the development of technology and its implication in the day-to-day life. Ø A display unit for obtaining views and interaction on the designed items, providing a wider perspective of public reactions to designed products of these industries.Ø The exhibit areas will merge with these displays units creating an ever-changing exhibition theme, thus maintaining the vitality and interest in the centre.Ø The centre will provide a permanent shelter for all the amateur astronomical clubs in the city. This will give a base to these research units scattered in the city to get together and discuss various breakthroughs in the field of astronomy and astrophysics. This will enable these associations to connect themselves to the institutions engaged in research and development. Ø Industrial design conventions, astronomical conventions along with the normal conventions and conferences in the different field of sciences will open a new dimension to the science centre. This is the major drawback of the existing science centre in the city of Bombay. SCIENCE MUSEUM:A ramp with a gradual slope flanged by relevant exhibits marks the beginning. An enclosed volume displays the history of evolution of science through L.C.D. screens. With the first step in the exhibit, area the viewer is exposed to a wide range of exhibits with a visual access to the exhibits of other zones. The circulation pattern consists of four levels with gradual rise to each level and then the exit from the lowest. Special elements like open elevators and ramps are designed for the handicapped people. Considering a need for a huge central column free volume, tensile technology is adopted with necessary detailing. PLANETARIUM AND THE AMATEUR ASTRONOMER CLUB:The sky show shown inside is just a part of the whole experience. The theatre is designed underground with its dome just coming above the ground level. This outer surface of the dome is provided with a three-dimensional model of the solar system. The roofing for this area is a gradual transparent vault with a Teflon fabric at the bottom. This fabric has holes made in respect with the constellation in the sky. The fabric can be pulled on during the day and rolled back during the evenings. The astronomical club and all the other functions club together to give a massive exhibit of science and architecture maintaining the focus of the center towards promotion of interest and awareness of science among the people. TUTORS STATEMENTShreyas Rane’s design thesis for a Science Centre at Belapur, New Mumbai, is oriented to fulfill the needs of promoting scientific and technological awareness among citizens. It provides a state of the art infrastructure for understanding advance in science and technological. In a developing country like India, such facilities have a critical role to play in overcoming superstitions and narrow mindedness. The target groups for the proposed Science Centre include, school and college going students, common citizens interested in science and technology and even provides a forum for professional and scientific interactions.The Science Centre provides for large scale exhibition areas, which will be an addition to the permanent display units creating an ever-changing exhibition theme, this will go a long way in encouraging the study and understanding of science and technology. The choice of technology for the Science Centre reflects concern for modernity and appropriateness. The tensile structure for large exhibition space provides a progressive image for the complex. Local stone has been used along with siporex light weight concrete blocks in a reinforced cement concrete frame structure. North light has been creatively used to make an energy efficient design. The sections have been evolved to allow for natural ventilation and cooling avoiding artificial and mechanical ventilation and cooling.His architecture reflects concern for excellence and innovation.