The building

 

 
 
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Environmental Sustainability
The construction techniques focus on environmental sustainability and energy saving though a wide-ranging use of renewable energy and high efficiency systems. There are solar panels and geothermal probes that provide support to a central trigeneration system for the whole neighbourhood.

The building's system is centralised and mechanised. The energy system is accompanied by a careful study of stratigraphy, thickness and type of insulating, windows and shading systems in order to maximise the energy performance of the building. A sophisticated system of blinds controlled by temperature sensors reduces sunlight in summer hours and facilitates it during winter days.

In certain areas, the use of natural lighting and ventilation allows for reduced energy consumption and the creation of more comfortable environments. The main plant also makes use of features that reduces consumption, such as cisterns which collect rain which provide water for the toilets, irrigation in the greenhouse, the aquarium and the body of water that surrounds the building.
 
The materials
The building has been constructed with locally sourced materials in order to reduce pollution from transport. The choice of Italian bamboo as a timber for the flooring of the exhibition areas is an example of this dedication to sustainability and minimising environmental impact.

The time required to reach a suitable size for bamboo to be cut into strips for wooden flooring is about 4 years old. For a traditional wood of equal hardness, such as larch, it takes at least 40 years.
 


Certifications

Thanks to the collaboration of the Trentino Technology District, the building designs underwent the procedures to achieve LEED certification. The level of LEED certification obtained by the museum is GOLD.

 
Sustainable access to MUSE
The project also aims to create bicycle parking spaces, changing rooms and showers, and a limited number of parking spaces to encourage the use of public transport by visitors.
Located near the cycle path, the museum can be reached easily on two wheels.
 
Characteristics
The most striking feature of the building designed by Renzo Piano is the sloping roof, which simulates the steepness of mountain slopes. The MUSE building extends over a length of 130m above ground level and a width (north/south) of 35m. Its internal structure is divided into two basement levels and five levels above ground. All floors, including -1, share space between public areas and those dedicated to Museum's administration, services, and research.

The architectural idea was born from the search for the right balance between the need for flexibility on one hand and the need to cater for scientific content on the other.
The main themes of the exhibition are recognisable by their form and volume while the flexibility of large exhibition spaces - typical of the latest generation of museums - is maintained. The building consists of a sequence of spaces and volumes, solids and voids, lying on a large body of water on which they appear to float, multiplying the impact and vibration of light and shadows.

The structure appears to be held together from above, with a large pitched roof that follows the curves of the building and is a quickly recognisable feature.