CAGUAS SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY CENTER
Caguas, Puerto Rico
The Caguas Science Center project revived an abandoned building in the urban center of Caguas that was previously a store occupied by retail giant Sears, Roebuck and Co. The resulting facility, of approximately 50,000 square feet, re-energizes an entire block of downtown Caguas. The new urban park opens the Center to the neighboring community and to an adjacent school ground. The Center entrance extends from the park into the landscape, facilitating the museum’s science programs and studies while enhancing the visibility of the Center along its primary approach from the South. Sustainable design was an integral part of the development of this landmark project.
As one of the sustainable elements featured in the design of the Science Center, there’s a “green roof“ that reduces the effect of the island’s heat and collects storm water for re-use. Taking advantage of the museum’s environmentally conscious design, the building was USGBC LEED® certified under the Existing Building Operations and Maintenance rating system.
CSA provided architecture, landscape architecture, mechanical, electrical, civil engineering and environmental and construction administration services leading the design undertaking in collaboration with E. Verner Johnson and Associates.
The project received an Award from the Puerto Rico College of Engineers and Land Surveyors (CIAPR) as “Outstanding Regional Project” for the disciplines of Mechanical, Electrical, Environmental and Civil Engineering.