phaeno is not only a science museum, but also an architectural masterpiece. Designed by the legendary architect Zaha Hadid, the building fascinates with its futuristic design language. With the new digital architecture station, you can now experience Hadid's visionary architecture virtually - from exciting drone flights to interactive 3D models.
Take a drone flight through the building and experience the spectacular architecture from a completely new perspective. Hardly a right angle disturbs the flowing shapes, which are more reminiscent of a natural landscape than a building. The transitions between the areas look like adventurous canyons and invite you to explore. The drone flight impressively shows how the building merges inside and out to form a sculptural unit.
The new digital architecture station gives you the opportunity to explore the building in a completely new way. 3D models, animations and virtual tours show phaeno as it looked before it opened - without the exhibits inside today. This allows you to experience the unique visual references and architectural details undisturbed. Every corner and every curve tells a story of innovation and creativity.
The architecture station was developed and expanded using state-of-the-art technology. Interviews with Christos Passas, the then project manager at Zaha Hadid Architects, and Prof Hanif Kana, the project's structural engineer, provide deep insights into the creation of the building. These conversations show how revolutionary the digital simulations used for the planning were over 20 years ago.
In addition to the virtual experiences, the station offers other exciting activities:
phaeno is more than just a building - it is an experience. The flowing shapes, which are designed like a landscape, make the visit an adventure. Terraces, valleys and plateaus allow you to discover the exhibits from new perspectives time and time again. The architecture station helps you to understand this visionary architecture and sharpens your eye for the extraordinary combination of design and functionality.
phaeno is not only a milestone in architecture, but also symbolises the possibilities of digital planning and virtual exploration. The new architecture station offers you an intuitive, interactive and inspiring way to experience this masterpiece.
Get ready to be amazed as you travel through the virtual and real world of phaeno!
Many thanks to our partners:
This project was made possible by the City of Wolfsburg and the Forum Architektur. Special thanks go to ZahaHadid Architects and the Zaha Hadid Foundation for their support.
More about architecture and Zaha Hadid
A particular highlight of the architecture are the ten so-called cones - cone-like structures that support the building. Each cone has its own function and aesthetics. One cone, which you can enter directly from the underground car park, is particularly impressive. Its open design allows a surprising view of the sky. These cones not only symbolise the technical ingenuity of the construction, but also give the building its unmistakable identity.
Fancy a discovery tour?
With the two discovery tours, pupils either search for specific places in the building based on seemingly mysterious image sections or follow in the footsteps of Zaha Hadid, the famous architect. The motto here is "open your eyes" as the students walk through the building.
Please note: The discovery tours contain form fields. If the tours are therefore not displayed correctly in your browser, please download them and open them again in the location where you saved them.
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