Architecture firm Soare & Yokina Arhitecti Asociati (SYAA) has won a competition to design the new nature-themed science museum complex in Constanta, Romania.

Bucharest-based SYAA will design the 80,000sq m (860,000sq ft) Muzeul Stiintei si al Naturii Constanta, which will be the largest such complex in the Black Sea region and is being funded by the Territorial Council of Constanta.

The development follows a ‘green’ theme

The main structure features two annexes in which a planetarium with 3D cinema and a science museum will be hosted. Also in the main structure is a botanical greenhouse, café and a laboratory. An observatory will be constructed on the lakeside, surrounded by botanical gardens.

The site, which currently hosts a dolphinarium, will be completely redeveloped. Initial plans include modernising the dolphinarium, building a 30m (98ft) deep Orca pool for shows and a new three-storey oceanarium with nine geographically-themed pools. Plans also feature an exotarium, while the whole development will function as a “micro-reserve”, encouraging the growth and maintenance of landscape, ecosystems, geography, flora and fauna.

A dolphinarium is included in the masterplan

“The construction of a Modern Museum of Natural Science may represent for Constanta, for the region, and for Romania a huge opportunity to attract tourists, being unique in this part of Europe for its size,” said a statement from SYAA following the announcement.

“The centre will promote awareness, curiosity, openness, thinking and responsibility towards nature,” said a spokesperson for SYAA. “Architecture can meet them all through a flexible, open, bright, and exciting space. Architecture can be part of the show – a unique experience in the course of the museum. It was very important to create a link between the urban park and esplanade of the nearby lake with the boulevard crossing by, thus we thought of building the museum terrace as a spectacular urban square, open to the city and its inhabitants.”