Dutch design agency NorthernLight is working on a wide range of hands-on exhibits and science and art installations as part of the high-profile expansion at Experimenta science centre in Heilbronn, Germany.

The 13,500sq m (145,000sq ft) extension, which is currently under construction and is slated to open in late 2018, was designed by Berlin-based Sauerbruch & Hutton and aims to be an “architectural lighthouse” for Heilbronn. The facility includes four themed galleries with more than 200 interactive exhibits, a cutting-edge multifunctional science dome and a biosphere as well as workshop and breakout spaces and retail space.

NorthernLight is collaborating with Bruns to develop two of the four permanent galleries, one based on matter and one based on exploring the world.

“In the first gallery, we will look into the extraordinary aspects of the matter that surrounds us,” NorthernLight told CLAD. “You will become aware of the richness of matter you encounter every day and gain an insight into technological advances in material science.

“In five immersive zones and a some iconic installations we tell the story of tangible and intangible matter, of light, structures and the most mysterious of all: living matter.”

“In the World Perspectives gallery, we look at the mental models and filters we all use to make sense of the complex and chaotic world around us, so visitors become explorers able to look at the world with new eyes.”

Artificial intelligence and biotechnology are among other topics that will be investigated. Some of Germany’s titans of industry are also getting involved, including Bayer, Audi and Lidl. Kraftwerk Living Technologies is managing the audiovisual and show control for the science dome.