Science and technology has become central to shaping modern societies in today’s fast-past world, influencing everything from economic growth to cultural evolution. Countries across the world today recognise that meaningful progress requires more than infrastructural development. It demands scientific thinking among citizens and using innovation to address the rising socio-economic challenges. Gujarat is one the states that has long embraced this outlook, and in 1986, it established the Gujarat Council on Science and Technology (GUJCOST) with the intention of linking scientific advancement to regional upliftment. The organisation’s mandate aligns with global priorities while staying rooted in local needs. Its objectives include reducing backwardness, curbing rural unemployment, alleviating poverty and promoting scientific temper in everyday life. One of GUJCOST’s most influential initiatives is its network of Community Science Centres across the state, developed through public-private partnerships. These centres demonstrate Gujarat’s commitment to using knowledge and technology as instruments of empowerment, ensuring that communities gain direct access to interactive learning and inspiration.
The inspiration for the project traces back to an annual religious fair held on a hillock, which is a familiar setting that resonates deeply with local visitors.
Among GUJCOST’s flagship projects is the Regional Science Centre in Rajkot, conceptualised and designed by INI Design Studio. Rajkot, a major urban centre and industrial hub, now hosts this distinctive architectural landmark that merges design innovation with the cultural essence of the region. The inspiration for the project traces back to an annual religious fair held on a hillock, which is a familiar setting that resonates deeply with local visitors. The architects shaped a built form symbolising the cycle of life. At the heart of the structure lies a sanctified void, conceived as a space of infinite potential from which ideas and creativity emerge. The building segments outward from this core, metaphorically embracing the concept of infinity and the limitless opportunities offered by scientific exploration. Comprising interactive exhibits, sculptural form and thoughtful contextual integration, SURFACES REPORTER (SR) demonstrates how the wonders of scientific discovery blend within familiar cultural frame.
The central plaza functions as the social heart of the complex.
The central plaza functions as the social heart of the complex. Designed like a gazebo, it welcomes visitors into a dynamic space that accommodates public events, cafes and informal gatherings. A tensile canopy stretches above the courtyard, transforming the open void into a luminous, fabric-clad crown. As sunlight filters through, it casts delicate patterns across the floors, reminiscent of constellations that mirror the cosmic stories. Surrounding this plaza, radial walls extend outward in a clock-like pattern, giving the building a pyramid-like characteristic. These walls define landscaped courts used for themed open-air exhibits that complement the indoor galleries.
Designed like a gazebo, it welcomes visitors into a dynamic space that accommodates public events, cafes and informal gatherings.
Inside, the Centre caters to learners of all ages with hands-on exhibits, demonstrations and workshops. The ground-floor galleries showcase a wide range of scientific themes such as mechanics, robotics, life sciences and even the region’s traditional ceramic industry. Mezzanine levels overlooking these galleries serve as flexible zones for science outreach and educational programs. The campus also incorporates immersive attractions including a VR zone, sound park and flight simulator. Outdoor spaces, circulation areas and landscaped courts further encourage movement, conversation and contemplation.
A tensile canopy stretches above the courtyard, transforming the open void into a luminous, fabric-clad crown.
The design responds sensitively to the natural terrain of Rajkot. The architects reduced excavation and avoided blasting wherever possible, thus preserving the site’s topography. Sustainable strategies such as vertical shading fins, tensile shading devices and provisions for cross-ventilation, address the region’s harsh heat conditions. Both passive and active energy-efficient measures were integrated, alongside rainwater harvesting and the use of recycled materials.
Surrounding this plaza, radial walls extend outward in a clock-like pattern, giving the building a pyramid-like characteristic.
This Rajkot Centre is among five major Science Museums developed by GUJCOST across Gujarat, each conceived to create enjoyable, experiential learning environments for the public. Situated beside the Eeshwarya Mahadev Temple and lake, the Rajkot museum builds on its striking location, drawing visual and conceptual cues from its geological and cultural surroundings.
Inside, the Centre caters to learners of all ages with hands-on exhibits, demonstrations and workshops.
Project details
Project name: Regional Science Centre
Location: Rajkot
Site area: 10 acres
Built-up area: 85,000 sqft
Year: 2022
Type: Museum
Studio: INI Design Studio
Project architects: Rakhi Rupani, Saumil Mevada
Director: Jayesh Hariyani
Project director: Adi Mistri
Sr designer: Dharmesh Gangani
Sr project manager: Bhargav A Bhavsar
Project director (Mepf Eng): Parth Joshi
Landscape consultants: INI Design Studio
Construction company: Cube Construction Engineering Ltd
Structural consultant: Ducon Consultants Pvt Ltd
Lighting designers, HVAC, electrical and plumbing consultant: INI Infrastructure & Engineering
Exhibit design: Lemon Design
Photographs: The Space Tracing Company