New Science Centre in Jurong Lake District to Open Around 2027: An Exciting Destination for All Ages to Encounter Science and Technology

The Science Centre Board today unveiled the design of the new Science Centre, which will weave unique facilities and programmes to deliver a one-stop destination for all Singaporeans to access Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education and experiences. The new Science Centre will continue the mission since its founding in 1977 to spark curiosity and innovation in generations of young school children, and leverage the new location and facilities to expand its outreach to Singaporeans of all ages to encounter and appreciate the importance of science and technology in our lives.

Thoughtfully Designed, with the Community in Mind

2. The new Science Centre, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, in collaboration with Architects 61 Private Limited, is inspired by the beautiful natural landscape and lake at Jurong Lake Gardens, together with the vision to design a science centre that looks to the future and is functional, while maximising the interaction with the garden and lake settings. The building bears the form of five interlocking rectangular blocks with large glass window openings serving as 'monocles' offering strategic views of the lake, capitalizing on its waterfront location. The design optimises the use of the surrounding landscape, creating a structure that appears to float above the parkland and lake while defining welcoming outdoor gardens and courtyards, creating a unique visual experience for visitors. Together with thoughtfully created diverse indoor, outdoor and rooftop spaces for learning, the new Science Centre will be an exciting destination to encounter science and nature for all visitors, young and old, and also offer a myriad of opportunities for community placemaking.

Artist's impression¹: Bird's eye view of new Science Centre

Artist's impression: Waterfront view of new Science Centre

STEM Programmes for All Ages

3. The new Science Centre will feature a Children's Gallery that is more than twice the size of the current KidsSTOPTM, with its own interactive outdoor waterplay area, discovery trails in the secondary forest, and a sensory trail at the roof garden. Older students can look forward to entering specialised labs and workshops that encourage hands-on learning of scientific concepts. For instance, the new Eco-Lab will support students in scientific investigations, where they can retrieve and analyse samples taken directly from the Eco-Garden, and continue to monitor the data collected from the samples with Internet of Things (IoT) equipment using their personal learning devices in school or at home, extending their learning experiences beyond their visit.

Artist's impression: Gallery exhibits in new Science Centre

4. The new Science Centre will feature a new Observatory for budding astronomers to learn about astronomical events, as well as a Digital Fabrication Lab that will support incubator programmes to nurture the entrepreneurial aspirations of youths and a Makerspace for tinkerers to bring their imagination to life. A new outdoor Activity Plaza, which will be a focal point of the new Science Centre, will offer many possibilities for placemaking activities, for both STEM programmes as well as to bring in the community for civic activities, adding buzz to the Jurong Lake District. The Centre will extend its opening hours for more regular night programming, to offer specially curated 'after-dark' STEM exhibitions and programmes for adult visitors.

Artist's impression: Night view of new Science Centre's Observatory

Artist's impression: Outdoor Activity Plaza of the new Science Centre - A venue for Placemaking and Community Events

Artist's Impression: Lushly landscaped plaza connecting visitors to the new Science Centre building, lake and secondary forest

A Showcase of Sustainable Science

5. Situated at the doorstep of Chinese Garden MRT station, the new Science Centre will be a key landmark of the Jurong Lake District. Designed with sustainability principles in mind, the Centre will aim to be a Super Low Energy building with adoption of green technologies and intelligent building management systems to reduce energy use. The Centre will also educate visitors on sustainability practices such as vertical farming systems through its programmes and exhibitions.

Artist's impression: View of the new Science Centre for visitors arriving by MRT, showing the view towards the Chinese Garden and the new Science Centre's strategic position as the gateway to attractions at the Jurong Lake Gardens

A Science Centre for All Singaporeans

6. The new Science Centre aims to showcase local innovations to the world, and celebrate the creative and entrepreneurial spirit of Singaporeans. To realise these aspirations, the Science Centre Board aims to strengthen existing collaborations, and grow new partnerships with local companies and Institutes of Higher Learning. In the coming years, the Board will also engage stakeholders such as schools, community and industry partners to co-create STEM programmes, and plan exhibitions and activities.

7. The new Science Centre is targeted to open its doors around 2027, which also marks the 50th anniversary of the Science Centre. Associate Professor Lim Tit Meng, Chief Executive of Science Centre Board, said, "Our ambition for the new Science Centre is to be a truly rewarding destination for all ages and abilities. The universal design principles of the new building will facilitate equal opportunities for all visitors, regardless of demographic or learning abilities. We have also been experimenting with new programmes and exhibition formats at the current site, taking note of the best practices we can apply to provide enhanced experiences to our audiences. Top of the list is to seek community partnerships to ensure we co-create a place that individuals will not only want to visit, but also leave feeling more curious about science."

8. Ms Tan Yen Yen, Chairman of Science Centre Board, said, "We have great confidence in the new Science Centre's potential to drive growth in STEM education and exploration across the region, as STEM industries play a key role in shaping our post-pandemic future. I'd like to express my appreciation to the Ministry of Education and all our partners for their belief in the Centre's ability to inspire generations, and their unwavering support in helping to deepen the impact of our work."

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Footnotes

1. All images are artist’s impressions, and final design may be subject to changes.