HAVER & BOECKER

Experience „knowledge“ inside exceptional architecture

The Science Adventure Odysseum in Cologne is a place where people of all ages can go to learn interactively; where scientific knowledge is wrapped inside a shell of black brickwork behind a semi-transparent façade of wire mesh from Haver & Boecker in Oelde, Germany.“Form follows function,” a term often been used, but seldom has it been realized so accordingly as it has at the Science Adventure Park Odysseum.  Here visitors enjoy 200 different experimental attractions in seven different theme worlds.  A modern mixture of science center, research center, and a scientific amusement park all come together in one 5500 square meter facility.

The architecture of the building was designed to support the communication of its scientific contents.  In fact the builder and owner, the SK Foundation CSC – Cologne Science Center, designed the interior exhibition first before looking for concepts for the building in an architectural competition.  It was in this competition that the concept Kasper Kraemer Architects BDA stood out against several renowned competitors.  The most convincing aspect of their design was the façade, which appeared light and transparent, a concept which met the philosophy of the Odysseum.  Said Dipl. –Ing. Architect Kaspar Kraemer on this idea, “The exterior black faced brickwork facade was upgraded with a uniform metal mesh facade, which places itself over the building like a glimmering dress. The semi-transparent metal mesh allows the building, despite its different functional areas, to appear as one consistent geometry. Only the facade of the foyer to the forecourt of the Odysseum has been designed as a vitreous entrance gate.”