October 15, 2004

	Images Courtesy Cesar Pelli & Associates

Cesar Pelli & Associates was recently awarded the commission for the Connecticut Center for Science & Exploration in Hartford, Conn. The New Haven firm beat-out proposals by Zaha Hadid, Moshe Safdie, and Behnisch, Behnisch & Partner.

The project is a major part of Adriaen's Landing, an initiative to reconnect downtown Hartford with the Connecticut River. The site is an existing brownfield, situated next to a major highway and railroad tracks. By placing the building as high as possible, Pelli's plan carefully negotiates these conditions, linking the facility with an existing riverwalk, and creating remarkable views. The building's forms are simple, but dynamic, with wings that extend to dominate the site. "The building will catch your eye from wherever you arrive," says Pelli. A 50-foot by 60-foot LED screen on the western wall of the north wing projects images out toward the main street further beckoning visitors towards the excitement within.

The building's design is environmentally sensitive. The glazing on the eastern wall of the south wing, overlooking the river, is slanted downward in order to protect against direct sun. The western wall of the south wing, meanwhile, slopes upward bringing sunlight into the greenhouses inside the facility. The $150 million dollar project is expected to open in late 2007.

Audrey Beaton

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