A key objective of the architectural concept for the Austrian Science Communication Center is to open the building to its surroundings and strengthen its connection to the urban environment. The aim is to create a dynamic space where science is made visible, accessible, and engaging. The design brings together the historic character of the building with a contemporary openness.
A guiding question shapes our approach: How can science be communicated in a way that inspires curiosity, encourages dialogue, and makes its social relevance clear? We respond with a flexible, modular spatial and exhibition system that enables openness, interaction, and participation — from spontaneous encounters to immersive, in-depth experiences.
Knowledge in Form – Circle and Line as a Spatial Language
Our design concept for the Austrian Science Communication Center is based on two fundamental shapes: the circle and the line. The circle represents wholeness, cycles, and collective thinking — it becomes a spatial forum and a place for reflection. The line stands for movement, insight, and connection — it guides visitors through the space and its content.
Together, these forms structure the visitor experience: circular thematic islands and linear pathways create orientation, invite exploration, and make scientific principles tangible in space. This clear visual language runs consistently through the architecture, exhibition, and furnishings, sensitively integrated into the building’s historical fabric — a contemporary interpretation of scientific order and aesthetics.
Communicating Science Through Space
The Austrian Science Communication Center sees architecture as a medium of communication: How can science be made visible, tangible, and experiential? The answer lies in an open, flexible spatial concept that fosters dialogue and participation — both spontaneous and planned.
Workshop areas, modular labs, and open discussion zones create spaces for exchange. Researchers work visibly within the space, while visitors are invited to observe, experiment, and ask questions. Digital tools such as interactive tables with AR interfaces and immersive VR experiences complement the analogue offerings.
The building’s central axis — the “Line of Research” — connects Wollzeile and Bäckerstraße, anchored by a circular meeting point at its center that offers orientation and invites gathering. Public areas like a café, a greened atrium, and an open staircase encourage informal interaction.
A special highlight: a kinetic sculpture in the entrance area — a symbol of the dynamic nature of science and part of a public art competition.
Sustainability and preservation of the building stock
The planning concept is guided by a careful, resource-conscious approach to the building’s historic fabric. The aim is to gently modernize the technical infrastructure — energy-efficient, sustainable, and aligned with current usage needs.
Wherever possible, existing systems are retained and selectively upgraded. This enables modern solutions for climate control, lighting, safety, and fire protection — all without unnecessary intervention in the structure. The focus is on sustainability, comfort, and long-term functionality.
In the spirit of responsible resource management, special attention is given to the design of the entrance area and the inner courtyard. By concentrating efforts on these central zones, a high design quality can be achieved within a manageable budget.
The concept demonstrates that even targeted, modest interventions can have a significant impact — environmentally, economically, and architecturally.
Modular Exhibition System – Flexible, Participatory, Vibrant
The exhibition at the Austrian Science Communication Center is based on a modular concept inspired by the shapes of the circle and the line. Circular thematic islands and linear pathways clearly structure the space while creating an inviting atmosphere for discovery and dialogue.
This modular system is highly flexible: modules of varying sizes can be freely combined depending on the theme and partner institutions. Mobile and digital components enable rapid adaptation and continuous updating of content. Additionally, individual modules can be placed outside the center in public spaces as pop-up science islands, opening new avenues to engage with research.
The exhibition is scalable in size — ranging from small interventions to comprehensive presentations — and open to contributions from external research partners. This creates a lively, ever-evolving knowledge space that invites participation and makes science accessible as an open, collaborative process.
The entire building is designed to be fully accessible, offering inclusive features such as simplified language, sign language, and tactile communication.