Hamamatsu Science Museum Miraira

Renewal of the Science Museum due to the aging of the existing Science Museum facilities and displays items. We obtained a proposal based on the DBO * method, which integrates design, construction, and operation, and completed construction in a short period of about one and a half years from schematic design.
With the main goal of providing active learning-type learning, we are planning displays based on our basic policy of experiential stories that lead to deep learning through spontaneous action by inducing interest from experience.

Zoned under six themes of nature, power, sound, light, space, and new technology, the displays space is equipped with more than 100 new science experience devices, almost all of which are centered on the large centerpiece displays, which symbolizes each zone that can be attended by a large number of people.
With the cooperation of Hamamatsu's leading companies, we have developed displays throughout the building to stimulate interest in local industries. In addition, we have introduced the world's first science information learning system (app) equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) to realize a new way of communication concept design that expands interest and knowledge through dialogue.

In addition to the displays rooms, we have also renovated the welcome displays at the entrance with art by local artist Yasuhiro Suzuki, the Kids' Science Land, a café, a shop, and an outdoor science park to make it concept design a comfortable place for adults as well as children while incorporating elements of a science museum.

* DBO method (Design, Build, Operate): A method of public-private partnership in which design, construction, maintenance, and operation are comprehensively ordered to private companies.

We were required to design and construction a complete renovation of the science museum in a short period of about 17 months. Since we will also be responsible for management and operation as the designated manager for 10 years after the opening, the design work progressed in parallel with the operation plan.
In addition to renovating displays, we were also working on landscaping the adjacent science park, creating outdoor play equipment, and developing an explanation system that utilizes the latest AI technology. Our challenge was to ensure that each of these diverse areas of work was coordinated.

In order to complete the design in a short period of time, displays design team was divided into four teams based on field, and the design work progressed simultaneously. Furthermore, by having the planned operation staff participate from the design stage, displays design and operation plan were coordinated.
For highly specialized fields other than displays, such as park design and AI commentary systems, we collaborated with external companies and took advantage of their knowledge to carry out the work. displays in cooperation with local companies was promoted with the cooperation of the Chubu branch and local advertising agencies.