Shenzhen, China’s hub for technology and innovation, is now home to the new Science & Technology Museum designed by Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA). Opening on May 2, 2025, the monumental structure spans 128,276 square meters within the Guangming Science Park. The museum serves as a central hub, uniting science, technology, and education under one roof
Design and Functional Areas
The museum showcases ZHA’s signature fluid forms and dynamic lines, situated near Guangming Station. The building features a spherical volume facing the city to the southeast, transitioning into cascading terraces extending towards the park in the west. These terraces function as extensions of the interior galleries.
Inside, galleries are arranged organically around a large central atrium. The museum includes 35,000 square meters of permanent and temporary exhibition space. Additionally, it houses 6,000 square meters of interactive theaters and cinemas (including IMAX, LED, 3D, 4D Cinemas), and 5,400 square meters of research laboratories, creative workshops, and educational facilities. Curving concrete surfaces and glass transitions define the architecture.
Material and Construction Techniques
The museum’s dynamic and organic form is achieved with stainless-steel panels on its exterior. These panels utilize dual-color INCO technology, a first on this scale in China. A nano-scale oxide film provides the panels with self-cleaning and corrosion-resistant properties, extending the facade’s lifespan. The facade’s color gradient transitions from deep blue to various shades of grey.
For the project’s realization, ZHA collaborated with local partners Beijing Institute of Architectural Design (BIAD). Building Information Modeling (BIM) and precise 3D scanning technologies ensured the millimetric accuracy required for complex geometries. A digital twin of the project allowed for real-time verification of all construction processes on-site. Robotic multi-point forming technology precisely shaped complex surfaces to design specifications.
Sustainability and Environmental Approach
The Shenzhen Science & Technology Museum aims to achieve China’s highest “Three-Star Green Building” rating. The project incorporates passive design strategies and advanced technologies.
Optimal Orientation: The building’s orientation minimizes excessive solar gain in the subtropical climate.
Ventilated Facade System: The double-layered stainless-steel facade reduces heat gain.
Integrated Photovoltaic Panels: Rooftop solar panels provide on-site energy generation.
Smart Water Management: Greywater recycling and rainwater harvesting systems are projected to reduce water consumption by an estimated 14,906 cubic meters per year.
Smart Building Management Systems: Indoor environmental quality is continuously monitored to optimize energy efficiency and visitor comfort.
Recyclable Materials: The construction targeted the use of 389,238.92 tonnes of recyclable materials.
Project Facts:
Location: Shenzhen, China
Date: 2019 (Design) / 2025 (Completion – Opening May 2nd, 2025)
Client: The Bureau of Public Works of the Shenzhen Municipality
Operator: The Shenzhen Association for Science and Technology
Design Architect: Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA)
Consortium Local Design Institute: Beijing Institute of Architectural Design Co. Ltd. (BIAD)
Status: Complete
Gross Floor Area: 128,276 sqm
Permanent & Temporary Exhibition Space: 35,000 sqm
Interactive Theatres & Cinemas: 6,000 sqm
Research Labs & Educational Spaces: 5,400 sqm
Image Credits:
- Photography: Virgile Simon Bertrand
- Drawings: Courtesy of Zaha Hadid Architects
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