With an area of around 25,000 square meters, experimenta in Heilbronn, Baden-Württemberg, is considered the largest science center in Germany. People of all ages have the opportunity to discover and understand science and technology here. This world of learning and discovery is located in the heart of Heilbronn city center on Kraneninsel in Neckaruferpark. The original science exhibition in the historic Hagenbucher warehouse was expanded in 2019 for the Federal Horticultural Show (BUGA) with a new building, also on Neckar Island.
Nestled in a tranquil, park-like landscape, a varied plaza stretches between the existing building and the new Science Dome, with steps leading down to the water’s edge. The extension to the research center has given the outdoor facilities on Neckar Island a new spatial quality. With a generous gesture, we are embedding the building ensemble in a new context that connects the individual open spaces via a uniform path and square surface.
The square creates climate-resilient structures through tree islands and green spaces and connects urban areas with the Neckar River. Terraced seating steps enhance the quality of life by the water. An intelligent irrigation system uses weather data to use water efficiently.
Green connections and sustainable materials strengthen climate adaptation and create a distinctive, sustainable urban space. The central square areas are framed to the north and south by extensive meadows that form the transition to Neckarpark. The central area serves as an entrance area, driveway, and delivery zone. Splinter-shaped inlays in the paving of the square echo the characteristic design language of the new building. Some “splinters” rise three-dimensionally out of the paving and form inviting seating areas under the shady canopy.
Climate change-induced heat zones call for new solutions in urban development: less sealed surfaces, more greenery, and water improve the microclimate and quality of life. With the AI Pavilion, Experimenta Square has been redesigned to be climate-resilient. Unsealed surfaces and green islands with a cooling forest character create a sustainable connection between technology, nature, and urban space. The planted oases at Experimenta Square offer a variety of flowers and a high level of biodiversity all year round. Due to heat, sealed surfaces, and limited root space, they were raised and equipped with a special lightweight substrate. Climate-adapted “future trees” such as Scots pine, Himalayan birch, and red maple were planted, supplemented by native species, grasses, and evergreen shrubs—a climate forest for greater resilience and biodiversity.
A species-rich flowering meadow with native herbs and grasses provides important habitat for insects and delights passersby.Unsealing the ground created open areas for better rainwater infiltration. A misting system provides cooling on hot days and improves the microclimate by lowering the ambient temperature by several degrees—particularly effective in areas with stone surfaces.
Project Data
Landscape architecture: Uniola
Location: Experimenta-Platz, 74072 Heilbronn, Germany
Year Completed: 2019, Re-greening 2024
Photo credits: von K GmbH and Matthias Stark
