The Landscape Architecture of California Academy of Sciences

The building of California Academy of Sciences is nestled on the vast Golden Gate Park of South Francisco. It has become a mixture of different wings that dates back during the year 1916. The original structure is still standing up to this day. There have been some notable changes on the architectural design over the past few years such as the glass trellis that has been implanted with solar cells. Last 2008, the new building of the Academy which was designed by Renzo Piano, a renowned architect, has been opened to the public. The landscape architecture design of the place has astonished various visitors from all over the world.

An Overview of the California Academy of Sciences

California Academy of Sciences

The new structure has the same colour, height, and size of the old building. It still highlights the flat, white wall of concrete. The whole structure has been intended to become energy efficient and was designed to house a new scientific lab, planetarium, aquarium, and museum. Due to the damage that the structure acquired last 1989 due to the Loma Prieta earthquake and the decreasing number of visitors, the authority believes that the structure requires to be updated.

Perhaps the structurally astonishing and most renowned part of this structure is basically invisible when you are on the ground. The living field that has been sculpted into valley and hills above the structure symbolises the commitment of the organisation in saving the resources of the planet with its green design.

A Simple Yet Functional Design

Minimising the design is definitely a great decision. It provides an opportunity to be creative in designing the form of the structure. The architecture proves that he has the capacity to go beyond the standard rational shape and take advantage of the psychological, cultural, and natural sources. The concept of the roof is exceptionally beautiful. The swelling surface of the roof acts as a natural ventilation system of the area. This dramatically decreases the need of the place to have an air conditioning unit. The landscape architectural design on the building creates an ecosystem that supports insects and bird life.

The roof of the California Academy of Sciences resembles a carpet of greeneries that has cloaked the basketball. Perhaps some of the major exhibit in that building includes the balls under the carpet that forms a sphere. Besides the roof of the building, architectural landscape of the area does not literally draw attention, but it is truly functional. The concrete walls have the capacity to absorb heat during the day and slowly release the heat during the cold night. The positioning of the windows is also designed in a way that it will receive air naturally.

Some of the part of the old structure has been recreated such as the African Centre. You will still notice the classic design of the vaulted structured that was originally too damaged that the management can no longer preserve them. The new room has been designed with the old concept but with the latest and premium materials.