A Flight into the Future
A Nobel Prize winner in physics who speaks about our perception of the universe and our place in it; an artist and jazz pianist who plays space music on a decaphonic piano created by mathematicians; designers whose work inspired the creators of “Dune,” and a Polish scientist who leads NASA projects—with an extraordinary program and many special guests, the new headquarters of the Lesser Poland Science Center “Cogiteon” in Kraków was officially opened on June 21 and 22, 2024.
Cogiteon aims to “inspire a love of learning and help foster an attitude of creativity, openness, and independent thinking.” To this end, the new building offers a total of 14,000 m² of usable space: for the interactive permanent exhibition “Humans and Their Dreams,” six specialized laboratories and studios for educational workshops and scientific demonstrations, temporary exhibitions, a children’s academy with a restaurant, and a conference center.
The new science center was built in the immediate vicinity of the site of the decommissioned Kraków Rakowice-Czyżyny Airport, one of the oldest airfields in the world. The location is defined by the preserved runway—now a protected historic site—and the expansive, park-like surroundings. The new building integrates into the landscape as a simple, expressive structure. The goal was to create a distinctive architectural form that would become the signature of Cogiteon.
The triangular building is partially sunk into the ground and slopes gently from north to south until it blends into the surrounding landscape. The green roof is accessible and serves as a spectator grandstand for flight demonstrations and other events on the former runways. The triangular volume is cut into at three points, creating four functional areas: for conferences, the entrance area, the exhibition halls, and ancillary rooms. They are all connected via a shared facade and the underground exhibition level.
In addition to the 10,000 m² rooftop garden, a park has been created around the building featuring nearly 300 trees, over 450 shrubs, flower meadows, playgrounds, and open-air exhibitions. Through the use of heat pumps and the underground location of the exhibition spaces, geothermal energy can be harnessed for heating and cooling. An intelligent building management system controls the lighting and HVAC systems to ensure optimal use of resources.
