"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."
- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
7 Nov 2023
In a remarkable feat of architectural prowess, a breathtaking 'floating' science fiction museum emerged in just one year, leaving fans in awe at the 81st World Sci-Fi Convention. Designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, the museum's futuristic appearance resembled a seven-pointed spaceship gently touching down on the surface of a lake in Chengdu in China.
Spanning an impressive 60,000 square meters, the museum surpassed the size of the iconic Sydney Opera House. Its design seamlessly integrated the exterior and interior, blending galleries and outdoor pathways harmoniously. The museum's location in Chengdu, known for its rich science fiction history and home to a prominent science-fiction magazine, made it an ideal venue for the convention.
Paulo Flores, one of the project directors at Zaha Hadid Architects, described the museum as always appearing different and unexpected from every angle. The structure, meeting China's Green Building Program standards, incorporated digital rendering and computing power to achieve its striking curves and waves. It was optimized for shading, heat dispersion, and solar power utilization.
Despite the ambitious timeline, the museum was completed just in time to host the Worldcon, surpassing previous convention facilities. Dave MacCarty, a senior organizer of the event, hailed it as the best facility ever hosted by Worldcon, emphasizing its uniqueness compared to conventional convention centers.
The remarkable achievement of the 'floating' science fiction museum stands as a testament to the power of innovation, architecture, and the enduring fascination with science fiction. Its opening at the 81st World Sci-Fi Convention left fans inspired and eager to explore the world of imagination and possibilities.