columbus museum of science and history allusions to the past Design a museum of science history for Columbus, Georgia. Programmatic elements should include exhibit space, museum offices, loading zone, museum store, cafe, and meeting space. Building must fit into the urban context of downtown Columbus. The Eagle & Phenix has been a part of Columbus since early in its history. Cotton milling operations began on the site in the mid1800s, and it soon became the second largest mill in Georgia. The Eagle Mills produced material for Confederate uniforms and other critical goods during the Civil War, and was burned in the last battle fought on land. The Mill was rebuilt in 1869 and renamed the Eagle & Phenix Mills to symbolize rising from the ashes.
Columbus, GA
This symbolism is the basis for this design of the Columbus Museum of Science and History. The plan of the museum is derived from two main features: a central axis connecting the building to Broad Street and Front Street, and two circular nodes, housing the planetarium and omni theatre. The front facade wraps around the two nodes, with two wing-like roof structure on either side. The central hall is formed with two large bent-steel arcs, which support the roof and glass facade, and provide ample space for displays to be hung from above. Creating an iconic building for the city of Columbus was important to the urban fabric of downtown, as few buildings of this caliber currently exist on the north end of downtown. This design provides such a building, which reflects the town’s history while providing a starting point for a developing arts and cultural area.