The Building
Prominently located at Interstate 5 and Main Street in Santa Ana, Calif., Taco Bell Discovery Science Center is a unique architectural landmark.
Formerly the Barker Brothers furniture store, the building has been transformed into a structure that communicates "Southern California" and "science."
The Architect
Taco Bell Discovery Science Center was designed by the world renown firm Arquitectonica. Arquitectonica has vast experience creating architecturally exciting facilities, having designed such landmark facilities as Disney's All Star Resorts - Orlando Fl., Times Square Redevelopment, the United States Embassy in Peru and the Atlanta Arena. For Discovery Science Center, Arquitectonica has designed a building which expresses the progressive mindset of California’s people. At the same time, the building is rooted in the earth and the striations on the exterior walls reflect the layers of the earth that change over time. Connected to the main building is a 10-story-tall tilting Cube. Because it is perched on one of its points, there exists a playful tension as if something fun or unexpected is about to happen. This icon gives visitors a sense of what their experience will be when in the science center.
Building Facts
- The Cube was constructed using a "space frame" design composed of steel.
- The Cube is 108 feet from base to tip and 64 feet per side.
- The science center has a total of 59,000 square feet with 22,000 square feet dedicated to exhibit space.
Building Features
- Themed exhibit areas including Discovery Stadium, Techno Arts, Air & Space, Quake Zone, Dynamic Earth, Perception and Kids Station (the area designed for children ages 5 and under).
- the Digital Lab computer classroom with 22 terminals
- the Launch Pad science store with educational books, gifts and toys
- Taco Bell/Pizza hut express food service
- a 130-seat theater, available for corporate events & presentations
Building Capacity
Approximately 1500 people
Building Accessibility
Discovery Science Center is wheelchair accessible and meets all ADA requirements.
Parking
Discovery Science Center's parking lot accommodates 176 cars. Parking is $3.00. Guests may also self-park for free on weekends at the Orange County Teachers Federal Credit Union on 2115 N. Broadway. |