The Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh has decided to involve the public in judging the five projects selected for the extension of their building. All are invited to take a look at the models illustrated on the web site and leave their comments on the site’s bulletin board. The five schemes could hardly be more different: steel and transparency from Peter Eisenmann which also takes in the river; intersecting geometric forms from Daniel Libeskind; the curving transparent “skin” applied by Bernard Tschumi; the blue yellow and green glass which characterises the entry by Dutch architect Ben van Berkel, linked to the existing building with a spiral staircase; and finally Jean Nouvel’s proposal, cantilevered over the river. Pittsburgh is looking for a symbol which can represent it as an outstanding technological centre, able to engage the public’s imagination and look into the future. The project, which comprises exhibition space, classrooms and support spaces as well as a park, will cost 90 million dollars and is due to be completed by 2005.

https://www.carnegiesciencecenter.org