The BTEK Technology Interpretation Centre in Bilbao, Spain is designed to educate visitors about science and technology through hands-on exhibits. The building is formed by two pyramidal volumes connected underground. It utilizes the steep sloping site by organizing exhibits over three floors that escalate parallel to the terrain. Sustainable design features include a geothermal heating and cooling system, solar panels, and maximizing natural light to reduce energy needs. The compact design and use of the site's topography help the Centre achieve its goals of interpretation and environmental stewardship.

1. Interpretation
Centre

2. “Interpretation Centre is a
communication process, designed
to reveal meanings and
relationships of our cultural natural
heritage etc, to the public, through
first hand involvement with objects,
artifacts, landscapes and sites.

3. BTEK Technology Interpretation Centre
Biscay Technology Park Bilbao, Spain

4. Architects: ACXT Architects
Location: Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
Client: Technology Park S.A.
Project Architect (and Landscape): Gonzalo
Carro López (ACXT Architects)
Surface: 2600 sq.m
Project Year : 2007-2009
Introduction

5. Interpretation Centre for new
technologies To come up with an implantation solution
adapted to the surroundings, in a plot with a
certain geometrical and topographical
complexity, uniting architecture and urbanization

6. Formed by two pyramidal volumes, apparently detached,
but connected underground

7. The first one - Black volume
The second volume
Heavier composition
Enclosed by 3 metallic façades
Roof formed by grid of solar panels
Generated by 2 curtain walls
Astro Turf roof

8. The roof of the underground connection,
also covered by Astro Turf, blend in with
the plot and the surroundings
Astro Turf Roof

10. • Generated through
the first volume
• Pleated corner
marks the entrance
• Metal projection
shelters the arrival
Entrance

11. Entry Point 1
Entry Point 2

12. Its goal is to encourage an interest
in science among young people
promoting the scientific and
technological culture
Designed for student visitors

13. Leap towards the
reception area, called
“the gorge” due to its
narrow dimensions and
18 metres height
Inside

14. Vanishing points
accentuated due to the
tightening of the
walkthrough and the
lowering of the ceiling as
one goes along
Inside

16. The entire space has been designed for a broad range of
technological areas, and divided into various modules:
• Room 1: Innovation area,
• Room 2: The network and the digital world
• Room 3: Automation, new materials and renewable
energy
• Room 4: Nanotechnology, biotechnology, robotics and
sustainability
• Room 5: Laboratory-workshop

17. Basement 1 Plan
Basement 2 Plan Ground Floor Plan

23. • The exhibition program organized
over three floors which escalate
and shift parallel to the steep
slope of the plot
• Ground floor and the
2nd basement have direct access
to the outside at street level
• The connections between floors
through great stair-cases and
ramps that go along with the
geometry & volume of the
complex

24. The centre’s compactness gives it excellent heat insulation and
protects it from direct sunlight, keeping down the environmental
impact and reducing its energy demand, which is covered by
renewable sources.
Sustainabilty

25. It uses geothermal heating and cooling, with a heat
recovery system.
Geothermal heat pump, using vertical pipes which allows for main
heating cum cooling demands, also averts other forms of pollution . This
pump is aided by another, with the idea of reassuring the conditions of
the complex, securing a 30% saving against conventional systems.
Furthermore, this also averts other forms of pollution such as the
expulsion of thermally altered air or the production of noise, which is
almost totally avoided.
Energy Efficiency

26. • Soft colours and natural diffused
light bathing the interior from the
north make artificial light
superfluous during the day.
• The building’s structure means its
roof is also one of its façades, in no
way spoilt by the perfectly
integrated solar panels used for its
60 kWp photovoltaic system, which
completes the sustainable design
solutions.

27. • Understand the Audience
• Provoke curiosity, attention
and interest in the audience
• Relate the message to
the every day life
• Site friendly
• Using the topography to its aid
• Sustainability
Inference

28. References
• “BTEK – Technology Interpretation Centre / ACXT, Gonzalo Carro”
1 Nov. 2009. ArchDaily. Accessed 4 Oct. 2016.
<http://www.archdaily.com/39177/btek-technology-interpretation-center-
acxt>
• Retrieved from <http://www.architecturenewsplus.com/projects/2303>
• Christiane Burklein, “BTEK Technology Interpretation Centre / 8
Oct. 2012. Livegreen. Accessed 3 Oct. 2016. Retrieved from
<http://www.livegreenblog.com/sustainable-architecture/btek-
technology-interpretation-centre-acxt-8156/>
• Sumit Singhal, “BTEK – Technology Interpretation Centre”.
Accessed 3 Oct. 2016. Retrieved from
<http://www10.aeccafe.com/blogs/arch-showcase/2012/02/11/btek-
technology-interpretation-centre-in-zamudio-spain-by-acxt-architects/>

29. Thank You !
By,
Rajat Rana
Tanmay Sahu