The construction of Science and Innovation Centre VIZIUM has begun in October 2019, and the opening of the VIZIUM is scheduled in the summer of 2022.
The construction of Science and Innovation Centre VIZIUM in Ventspils has started since 2019, and its mission is to spread knowledge of physics, nature, interaction of substances, sound and light in an easily-to-understand manner, and to deepen understanding of science and its all-encompassing nature throughout different target audiences.
Interactive educational exhibition halls, 80 interactive exhibits, science shows, laboratories, conference rooms, classes and tech creative workshops will be available in the Centre of Science, that can be attended to study physics, chemistry and other natural sciences.
The aim of the chosen exhibits is to awaken interest of children and youth in information technology and natural sciences from an early age and to contribute to a better understanding of the development of physics, engineering sciences, technologies and processes that occur in nature. The exhibits will be both educational and interactive, they will also be an important element of educational and teaching programs, as this will be vital during studying different topics.
It is planned to build seven different galleries in the Centre: Gallery of Smart Technologies, simulators, Gallery of Geography and the World, Gallery of Human and Self-perception, Gallery of Physics and Mathematics, Children’s Gallery and Sports Gallery.
The Centre of Innovation is planned to hold events that help in developing businesses, create office space to attract and support young entrepreneurs, and create 90 workplaces. A large part of the premises will be given to merchants, most of whom are entrepreneurs in the field of information technology.
The Centre also provides a possibility to organise events and conferences. Next to the conference hall, there is a spacious and modern café, which during the summer season also offers an option to enjoy the meal on the outdoor terrace “with a view of the city panorama from one of the most exclusive and highest points”. Visitors also have an exclusive chance to see the city from the viewing platform, which is one of the highest points of the city. The conference hall can be used as a single room with capacity up to 75 persons, or divided into 3 independent parts for smaller event formats.
The façade of the Science Centre (the author of the idea – Audrius Ambrasas) is made of glass and copper finishing sheets. In order to ensure that copper does not lose its dark golden shine, the sheets are treated with a special technology method, which was used for the first time in Latvia.
On the floor of the Science Centre lobby, which is made as a round globe, a world map with area of 365 m2 is created, consisting of more than 600,000 pieces of Murano glass tiles. In the centre of the map – Ventspils city, under which a capsule with a message to the next generations is embedded.
On 11 March 2022, the Science Centre VIZIUM won the Latvian Construction Year Award 2021 – first place in the category "PUBLIC BUILDING – NEW BUILDING".
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