tilted reflective disk sits atop SMAR’s science island museum in nemunas, lithuania

the reflective roof surface channels daylight into the museum interior.

SMAR edited by sofia lekka angelopoulou April 7, 2025 4 min

Science Island Museum follows Kaunas’ existing topography

The Science Island Museum (Mokslo Sala) by SMAR Architecture Studio is located on Nemunas Island in Kaunas, Lithuania. Occupying a 15,000 sqm site, the project is intended to function as a central component of the island’s public infrastructure. The museum’s design follows the existing topography to establish continuity between the built environment and the surrounding landscape.

The roofscape of the museum plays a dual role as both an ecological and civic feature. It includes native vegetation and circular openings that function as informal public platforms and viewing areas. These features support public use and reinforce the spatial integration between the museum and the island park. A distinctive sloped and reflective upper disk is positioned above the structure. Its material properties allow it to reflect natural light into the building during the day and emit artificial light at night, contributing to the museum’s visual identity and presence in the urban context. This element acts as both a climatic device and a symbolic marker within the cityscape.

tilted reflective disk sits atop SMAR's science island museum in nemunas, lithuania - 1 — all images by L.Mykolaitis

SMAR reinforces museum’s focus on environmental sciences

SMAR Architecture Studio organizes the structure into two principal zones: the ‘Front of the House,’ which accommodates exhibition and public functions, and the ‘Back of the House,’ where laboratories and administrative offices are situated. Unlike conventional layouts, the service areas are also designed to receive daylight and offer visual connections to the adjacent park, supporting working environments with access to natural elements.

The building promotes environmental awareness through spatial and climatic engagement. Visitors are exposed to seasonal and atmospheric variations as they move through the interior, reinforcing the museum’s focus on environmental sciences. The overall layout and material approach aim to create a continuous dialogue between nature, architecture, and scientific inquiry.

tilted reflective disk sits atop SMAR's science island museum in nemunas, lithuania - 2 — the Science Island Museum occupies 15,000 sqm on Nemunas Island in Kaunas

tilted reflective disk sits atop SMAR's science island museum in nemunas, lithuania - 3 — the building integrates with the island’s topography to connect with the surrounding landscape

tilted reflective disk sits atop SMAR's science island museum in nemunas, lithuania - 4 — a sloped reflective disk forms a prominent visual element above the structure

tilted reflective disk sits atop SMAR's science island museum in nemunas, lithuania - 5 — native vegetation covers the museum’s roof, blending it into the park environment

science-island-museum-smar-architecture-studio-nemunas-island-kaunas-lithuania-designboom-1800-2 — circular roof openings serve as public platforms and gathering spaces

tilted reflective disk sits atop SMAR's science island museum in nemunas, lithuania - 6 — the museum creates a continuous link between civic infrastructure and natural terrain

tilted reflective disk sits atop SMAR's science island museum in nemunas, lithuania - 7 — public paths and viewing points are integrated within the rooftop design

tilted reflective disk sits atop SMAR's science island museum in nemunas, lithuania - 8 — the roofscape is both an ecological surface and a civic feature

science-island-museum-smar-architecture-studio-nemunas-island-kaunas-lithuania-designboom-1800-3 — the reflective roof surface channels daylight into the museum interior

tilted reflective disk sits atop SMAR's science island museum in nemunas, lithuania - 9 — the architectural design emphasizes environmental awareness

tilted reflective disk sits atop SMAR's science island museum in nemunas, lithuania - 10 — the museum supports a dialogue between science, architecture, and nature

tilted reflective disk sits atop SMAR's science island museum in nemunas, lithuania - 11 — visitors are exposed to seasonal and atmospheric variations as they move through the interior

project info:

name: Science Island Museum
architect: SMAR Architecture Studio | @smar.studio

location: Nemunas Island, Kaunas, Lithuania

partners in charge: Fernando Jerez, Belen Perez de Juan

lead architects: Fernando Jerez, Bradley Millis

executive architect: Architektų biuras G.Natkevičius ir partneria

architect in charge: Dominykas Kalmatavičius

facade engineers: Arup Madrid (Ignacio Fernandez, Fernando Garcia, Jordi Alcaine)

structural engineering: UAB Planas

photographer: L.Mykolaitis

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