California Academy of Sciences

If you are a designer in any way, whether it be of mechanical systems, of interiors, or of anything for that matter, you may be interested in visiting the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco. This newly reopened museum, which supposedly cost $500 million dollars and 10 years to build, is a well designed experience.

Most prominent is the fact that the Academy is an Aquarium, Natural History Museum and Planetarium all rolled up into one, which breaks previous molds for science museums. Furthermore, these entities are mixed together. For instance, the 4-story rainforest and Amazon river exhibit (see above) are housed in the same glass dome. Much has been done to break down the glass barrier between the viewer and the exhibit. The rainforest, for instance, houses orchids, tropical birds, butterflies, and even tiny frogs out in the open for viewers to experience first hand.

A most bizarre experience can be had by gazing down into the Amazon river exhibit from high up in the rain forest canopy. Looking down into the water, you see giant catfish, arapaima ... and people. There is a a tunnel underneath the river, allowing people to gaze upwards at the fish, and people gazing down from the rainforest.

Breaking another mold of sorts is the museum's architecture. The traditional museum is a neoclassical monstrosity, replete with left and right wings, tall columns, and imposing stone steps. Exhibits are designed to fit within the confines of this stone building. Not vice versa. In contrast, the new building is designed around it's two key exhibits: the planetarium and the rainforest. Indeed, the building seems almost shrink-wrapped around these dual domes. The green expanse of the building's living rooftop is broken up only by the twin spheres forming these exhibits.

The museum is almost as entertaining from a design perspective, as it is from a natural history perspective. What's missing from making the museum the most fully integrative for the viewer would be a few water slides, and some scuba gear.