The invited architectural competition for a science centre in Wolfsburg yielded 23 inspiring designs from eight countries in early 2000. The spectrum ranged from understated, simple hall-like structures to spectacular urban landscape architecture. However, the winning project was clearly Zaha Hadid's design: a topographically shaped exhibition hall supported by conical volumes and subtly illuminated, which impressed not only with its inspiring design but also with its ability to reclaim the site as a public hall space for the city.
