MUSE – Sciences Museum

Project Description

Le Albere Complex is the site for MUSE, the new sciences museum serving to reinforce the cultural identity of this area of Trento. The architectural project, by Renzo Piano, has been conceived by paying special attention to environmental impact and energy saving aspects.

For this reason the building’s functions are regulated by centralised, mechanical systems that exploit various renewable energy sources (solar, using photovoltaic cells and solar panels, and geothermal, using thermal exchange elements).

Careful research was made to define the layering, thickness and materials for thermal isolation of the building, for the window panes and for shading solutions, to optimise the energy efficiency of the building. Natural illumination and ventilation in some areas help to reduce energy consumption and to increase comfort.

Other energy saving solutions have also been adopted, such as a cistern to collect rainwater, thus cutting the use of fresh water by 50%. The water collected is used to irrigate the greenhouse and for the aquaria and water moat that surround the building. Some building materials (concrete, Verdello stone) come from local sources to limit transport pollution. Others are easily disposable, such as the bamboo that is used for exhibition floors. Structural elements are made of wood.

The parking lot has an area for bicycles, with changing rooms and showers, and only a limited number of spaces are available for cars, to encourage visitors to use public transport.

MUSE has achieved LEED Gold certification and all of the residences and offices have a level B CasaClima classification. They were among the winners of the 2013 CasaClima Awards.

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