Phase III: Go for Stack

Thirty years out from the creation of the master plan, that original moonshot goal has been realized. As architects for the Master Plan and prior phases of the California Science Center, ZGF designed the Phase III expansion—named the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center—which will be engineered by ARUP and built by MATT Construction. The Air and Space Center’s leading attraction will be the space shuttle Endeavour, an orbiter that was part of the space exploration program from 1992 until 2011, which was awarded to the California Science Center Foundation by NASA. Endeavour will be displayed vertically, in launch position, in conjunction with other exhibits that explore the science, technology, engineering, and math principles related to the shuttle program, as well as hands-on science exhibits, immersive experiences, and historic air and space artifacts. It will be the only place in the world for the public to get up close with a space shuttle in launch position.

Distinguishing itself from California Science Center’s existing buildings, the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center will have its own unique architectural identity. Characterized by a curvilinear design of exterior forms clad in stainless steel, the new addition’s architectural expression is inspired by the aerodynamic, fluid geometry of the Endeavour’s fuselage, cockpit, wings, and vertical stabilizer. The primary structure will be three stories, while the shuttle gallery will rise six stories—peaking at 200ft—to accommodate the height of the Endeavour in launch position. As the tallest structure in Exposition Park, Endeavour's forever home will be visible from vantage points across Los Angeles to share with the city, and the world, the legendary legacy Endeavour leaves in space.

Phase I: In the beginning…

From the outset, the community was at the center of the efforts around revitalizing Expo Park and reenvisioning California Science Center. A grassroots engagement program brought together everyone from residents of the surrounding neighborhoods to city and state representatives. Their participation in the design and development process ensured that CSC would be a place where local families felt a sense of pride, ownership, welcome, and inspiration.

ZGF’s master plan proposed that the museum, previously housed in eight separate structures, consolidate its facilities under one roof on a site directly south of the Rose Garden. The historic Howard F. Ahmanson Building, one of the museum’s original buildings, bordered the southern edge of the garden. Today, the California Science Center incorporates a portion of the original building into its north facade.

The new 600,000 SF Science Center was to house interactive exhibits, special exhibits galleries, a 3-D IMAX Theater, conference center, and food and retail services. The first phase, a new 245,000 SF building, is arranged into five major elements: a freestanding theater; a semi-enclosed rotunda (connecting theater and museum); the main exhibition block of the museum (bisected by an 80-foot-high wedge of skylit space); the 300-foot long second level Science Court; and finally, the restored north wing of the original building.

The glazed galleria of the Science Court serves as a backdrop for the restored historic building. The new curved south facade and the theater are clad in geometric concrete tile patterns that reverse the proportion of red to beige in the historic facade. In contrast, the rotunda is made of a steel exoskeleton which is backed by a diaphanous curtain of perforated stainless steel. Working closely with artists, ZGF integrated a series of art experiences into the Plaza and Science Court, which demonstrate scientific principles, and reinforce the program themes.

Phase II: An education ecosystem

The next phase provides an opportunity for visitors to experience first-hand the interconnectedness of the natural world through the integration of live animals, hands-on exhibits, and media. The 140,000 SF addition to the existing museum contains 45,000 SF of exhibit space organized as a series of complex ecological environments with more than 250 species of plants and animals that each teach a different ecological principle—including a 2,500 SF desert zone, a 188,000-gallon kelp forest.

Ecosystems is a journey of scientific discovery, brought to life through the ever-changing environments that make up our world. The major expansion nearly doubles the amount of exhibition space at the Science Center and features 11 immersive environments—unique among science centers in the United States. From walking through a living kelp forest to experimenting on a polar ice wall, explorers can investigate some of the Earth’s most fascinating ecosystems. Highlights include the 188,000-gallon kelp tank populated with more than 1,500 live fish, kelp, and other marine life; a desert flash flood; and a special gallery dedicated to the urban ecology of Los Angeles. The centerpiece of Phase II of the Science Center’s Master Plan, Ecosystems empowers explorers with the science knowledge to become better stewards of the environment.