Anchoring the cultural center of a major new mixed use development along Broad Run watershed, the new Science Center at Kincora fills a need as the only major science center to serve the half-million families in Northern Virginia. The project is the expansion and relocation of the Children’s Science Center, currently operating a small “Lab” center at a nearby mall.
Institutional strategy and learning philosophy
Site planning and selection
Architectural programming and concept
Exhibit framework and concept
Feasibility analysis
The Science Center will occupy about 70,000 ft2 of cutting-edge science and innovation discovery experiences across a full spectrum of STEAM learning themes, including the most comprehensive deployment of “maker” style exhibits and programs in the field.
Roto led the comprehensive development of this concept master plan, in partnership with the CSC executive team, Board, and Northern Virginia community, with additional input from the Kincora development and Statewide advisors. The development process included numerous community input workshops, incorporating feedback from public officials, education and corporate stakeholders, and nearly 200 family visitors.
Roto served as the concept architect as well as the museum and exhibition planner, resolving site selection questions, creating a reliable base building program, designing an integrated building/exhibit concept, and executing all the fundraising materials shown here.