
←Back
National Space & Science Centre
Leicester, UK
Rocket Science
The rockets stand proud behind a transparent pneumatic membrane facade. Thirty-eight ETFE cushions offer a clear view of Sputnik & Co. built according to the design by Nicholas Grimshaw & Partners. The Rocket Tower with its transparent sheath was an architectural and astronomical challenge.The open-air ambiance called for a special design that stretched the outer limits of ETFE technology. Some of the largest cushions are more than three metres high and 20 metres long and curve along a radius of some ten metres. The north face cushions can be disassembled to provide a large opening to accommodate large new exhibition items.
Facts
Realization membrane structure
Skyspan GmbHYear
2001Client
National Space Centre, Leicester, UKCity
Leicester, UKLocation
EuropeRoof area
– m²Facade area
2000 m²Contractor
–Architect
N. Grimshaw & Partners, London, UKEngineering
Ove Arup & Partners, UK