Caguas Science Center
(Caguas Criollo de Ciencia y Tecnologia del Caribe [c3Tec])
Location: Caguas, Puerto Rico
Role: Design Architect & Museum Planner for New Museum; Collaborated with CSA, Puerto Rico-based architects and engineers, as well as Liberty Science Center’s exhibit design team
Program: Interactive science exhibits, theaters, lobby, cafe, gift shop, function spaces, green roof, classrooms, exhibit support, and offices
Building Area: 50,000 sf
Status: Opened in 2010
Description:
C3Tec is Puerto Rico’s first science center. VernerJohnson totally transformed an abandoned Sears building in Caguas, Puerto Rico and re-energizing an entire downtown block. It includes both a new Museum facility and a new theater structure (connected to each other by an enclosed bridge), as well as a new heavily planted public park area.
Sustainability is a large part of both the Museum’s mission and the subject matter for the exhibits and thus this Museum was designed to be the first LEED accredited Museum in Puerto Rico with its extensive re-use of the existing structures, the incorporation of a green roof (to reduce the heatisland effect and for storm water collection/re-use), and the use of solar panels and wind turbines (for both demonstration and energy). The exhibits are also focused on sustainability – how to sustain one’s individual health, how to live sustainably on the island, and how we all should love sustainably on the planet.
