Case study

Architectural design VII

Muzeiko Science Discovery Center
•Architects: Skolnick Architecture + Design Partnership
•Area: 35000 ft²
•Year: 2015
•Location: Muzeiko, located in Bulgaria’s capital city of Sofia

o Organized conceptually as a journey

moving through time and space, visitors
can explore three levels of exhibits in the
35,000-square-foot.
o Lowest level-the Past
o Ground floor-the Present
o First floor-the Future
 PLANS

Basement floor Ground floor

Admin
Exhibition spaces
Access areas
services
Washrooms

Site plan First floor

 • 3 access from where visitors can enter and 1 access
for admin or services.
• There are outdoor play area, Rain garden and
gathering area for waiting.

• On the lowest level, children explore “The Past” through exhibits

interpreting archaeology, geology and paleontology.
• The ground floor is “The Present,” represented by hands-on exhibits
about the natural environment and contemporary cities.
• The top floor is dedicated to “The Future” with interactive exhibitions
exploring cutting-edge technologies and space travel.
• Interactivity also extends to the site, which includes a science playground,
a green roof and rooftop climbing wall, a rain garden, outdoor activity
space and an amphitheater.
 Circulation of space

Observation
Amphitheater
Green roof
stairway
Climbing wall
Whether station

Exhibit area

Creativity area Office

AV room Exit

Lobby Lobby

Ticket stairway toilet

counter

Café Exhibit area

First floor Exit

 • The museum’s architectural theme, “Little Mountains,” is an allusion to Bulgaria’s
mountainous topography. The structure’s glass volume is interrupted by three sculptural
forms, or mountains, each referencing through its color scheme and texture indigenous
craft traditions in the country.
• One mountainous form features abstracted patterns inspired by textiles and embroidery,
another by glazed ceramics, and the third by traditional wood carving.

• The museum utilizes large areas of glass to reveal the interior and
creating the feeling of openness and transparency about the activity
inside, in contrast with most Bulgarian museums that appear
imposing and monumental.