UDG’s Museum of Environmental Sciences wins World Architecture Prize

Museum of Environmental Sciences, University of Guadalajara It is one of the country’s foremost pro-environmental centers for its work, and has now been recognized worldwide with the “Concept of Landscape Cultural Heritage” award from the International Architecture and Design Awards, awarded by the Architecture and Design Society (AD-c).

The project is in fact a synchronization of its gardens, so nature is the basis of the designs, as well as respect for the environment and concern for water and other natural resources of higher value. But that’s not all, as both the school and its museum are listed as examples of concern for the world on a national level and, of course, on a global level.

Environmental Science Museum and Project

The award-winning design was in charge of Snøhetta, under the direction of Jackie Martínez, Craig Dykers and more collaborators, but also has a scientific value in charge of UDG in collaboration with Met Studios in London, Thinc Design in New York and some consultants. Likewise, the offices of Metroarquitectura, JSa, ZAP and Monolito participated.

It is a landscaping project that includes a garden of more than two hectares. This is the first exhibition of the museum, which in turn represents the coexistence between urban and rural. Similarly, Materials and the Use of Nature focus on three themes: regional agricultural processes, water, and nature-based trade.

On the other hand, the design includes many gardens, such as those with the theme of salt, minerals, obsidian, and seashells, but the external appearance is as important as the gardens themselves. For example, the roof is built with stone, gravel, sand, concrete, as well as shells.

But if one thing stands out, it’s the water that remains present in each of the garden landscapes. There’s a reflecting pool, an elliptical fountain and even rain gardens. It should be noted that specific rules have been implemented to mitigate climate change, so water reuse is essential in this case, including treated wastewater and rainwater harvesting.

Now, in terms of landscape design, it evokes the mountains of western Mexico and the gardens cover the entire place, from floor to ceiling and it has a waterfall gushing from the top. Likewise, the upper gardens connect users with the exhibits within the museum and promise to be the most biodiverse in all of Latin America. On the balcony, with a panoramic view of a majestic country like Guadalajara, you can see the rest of the landscape that It merges with the Museum of Environmental Sciences of the University of Guadalajara.

The design meets the needs of the residents and users of the Museum itself, which is why the authorities decided to provide not only a beautiful setting, but also a public space that can be fully used, taking into account environmental, anthropological and even social changes throughout the years. the years.

The Museum of Environmental Sciences’ prestigious award

The AD-C Awards are based in the United States and have a select jury made up of celebrities from architecture and design. Its focus is to spread art and architectural culture through incentives such as these, always prioritizing the good practice of the subject and its aims.

This year, 400 proposals were received from 59 countries. But after extensive investigation, they came to the conclusion that The UDG Museum was the best of the projects Sustainable, likewise, makes the best use of natural resources without harming the environment, even going into the use of new technologies and energy sources to continue to benefit the planet.