Experience the Ultimate Fusion of Nature and Technology at MAD's Hainan Science and Technology Museum

The Hainan Science and Technology Museum, designed by MAD architects and led by Ma Yansong, has been unveiled in Haikou City, Hainan. The museum is set to become an essential science venue and tourist attraction for Hainan's free trade port. Located on Haikou’s west coast, the museum is MAD’s second major public project in Hainan following the Cloudscape of Haikou. The building's design draws from the site's dual urban and natural context, where a "primaeval rainforest and technology of the future meet." The museum’s façade, made of fibre-reinforced plastic, is distinctive both near and afar with its silver, reflective exterior and visionary aesthetic.

The building is shaped like a cloud in dialogue with nature, set against the backdrop of a rich tropical rainforest. The museum's 46,528 square meter area comprises of 27,782 square meters of above-ground facilities, including permanent exhibition space, a planetarium, a giant-screen theatre, and a flying theatre. The interior structure consists of three floor-to-ceiling cores, curved trusses, spiral ramps, and a roof, all exposed to achieve harmony between the architectural forms and structural system. A skylight in the museum’s dome bathes the spacious atrium in natural light, creating a bright and transparent environment.

The museum's exhibition experience begins on the fifth floor, where visitors can explore technology and space galleries before proceeding down the ramp to the ocean and life science galleries on the fourth floor, the math and science galleries on the third floor, and the multimedia interactive experience area and children's playground on the second floor. As visitors travel down the ramp, they can enjoy the scenery and exhibitions, while a gallery running alongside the ramp extends the viewing experience.

The outdoor space features an undulating canopy extending from the main pavilion in all directions to accommodate the public in Haikou’s humid and rainy climate. The north side of the canopy hosts the giant screen and flying theatre, while the planetarium and observatory are located in the southwest corner. The museum's various outdoor public spaces, including a crater-like sunken plaza and reflecting pool, offer areas for rest and relaxation. The tropical plants surrounding the museum make it an ideal setting for learning about nature and providing visitors with a pleasant environment to enjoy and experience nature freely.

Once completed, the Hainan Science and Technology Museum will become a destination for the exploration of science, technology, and nature. It will encourage visitors to seek inspiration from both urban and natural settings. The museum's design aims to create harmony between the architectural forms and the natural environment, providing visitors with an immersive and educational experience. The futuristic building appears to emerge from the city, while visitors entering the museum area witness it floating above the jungle, creating an ethereal and awe-inspiring sight. MAD's design for the Hainan Science and Technology Museum is a testament to the firm's dedication to creating innovative and sustainable architecture that responds to the needs of the environment and society.

In conclusion, the Hainan Science and Technology Museum designed by MAD architects and led by Ma Yansong is set to become an important science venue and tourist attraction for Hainan's free trade port. The building's design draws from the site's dual urban and natural context, where a "primaeval rainforest and technology of the future meet." The museum will feature a permanent exhibition space, a planetarium, a giant-screen theatre, and a flying theatre. The design aims to create harmony between the architectural forms and the natural environment, providing visitors with an immersive and educational experience. The outdoor space features an undulating canopy extending from the main pavilion in all directions to accommodate the public in Haikou’s humid and rainy climate. 

Source: Mad Architects' press office