In October 2023, the Science Gateway CERN opened its doors in the heart of the renowned research center CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research) in Geneva.
CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research) in Geneva is renowned worldwide for its significant scientific breakthroughs and advancements in the field of science. At the heart of this prestigious research center is the Science Gateway CERN, a fascinating project designed by Renzo Piano and inaugurated in October 2023. The Science Gateway serves as a center for education and culture, appealing to individuals of all ages, and it distinguishes itself through inspiring exhibition spaces, laboratories for practical scientific experiments, and an impressive auditorium.
The realization of this ambitious project involved a close collaboration between RPBW Architects and Müller BBM Building Solutions, with a particular focus on acoustic planning. The emphasis was placed on the impressive auditorium, capable of accommodating up to 1200 people. The challenge was to harmonize high architectural standards with acoustic requirements. The result is a modernly designed space primarily intended for spoken word events but with great versatility for various uses. With the aid of movable partitions, the auditorium can be divided into three separate rooms to accommodate different event sizes.
One of the most captivating architectural features of the Science Gateway CERN is the two symbolic “Tubes” on either side of the public road. These tubes represent the underground conduits of CERN’s particle accelerator and serve as a symbol of the project. Their spatial design paid special attention to the acoustic aspects of the cylindrical cross-section. The challenge was to preserve the architectural representation of the Tubes while ensuring adequate room acoustics without sound focusing.
