Work is well underway on the construction of the new California Academy of Sciences – the oldest scientific institution in the United States – in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco.

The non-profit natural history museum, which was founded in 1853, is investing US$320m (£185m, 273.5 euro) in a brand new sustainable home designed by Pritzker Prize winner Renzo Piano.

The architectural design of the new Academy is inspired by the natural world. A living roof will slope over interior exhibitions resembling hills against the natural landscape. A portion of the roof will be accessible to visitors and will feature an exhibition area nestled between the landscaped areas.

At the heart of the new building will be a partially glass-enclosed piazza and on hot days the roof will open.

The site will have two spheres, which will house a global rainforest and a planetarium.

The shape and texture of the building will reflect the Academy's commitment to ecological sensitivity and sustainability.

Floor-to-ceiling glass walls at the east and west sides will suffuse public spaces in natural light and integrate the interior space into the surrounding environment of Golden Gate Park.

The use of natural materials combined with a smaller building footprint, low building heights, and nearly three acres of new green space, is designed to create a site that blends into its surroundings.

Due to the scale of the work, the museum has closed to the public until the new centre is completed in 2008, but a temporary facility has been established in downtown San Francisco.

For more information see Attractions Management Q1 2006: Sustainable Science p 28

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