Honoured to be recognised in the international competition for the Ramallah Science Museum. Carved into the cliffs, our distinguished design unfolds as a sculptural belvedere into the Palestinian topography and community. A space for reflection, learning, and connection across generations. We’re proud to support the creation of this bold new cultural landmark, driven by hope and curiosity.
Ramallah Science Museum: Where Land Meets Learning
A Museum Rooted in Place
In the heart of Ramallah, the Science and Technology City (R.S.T.C.) rises as a bold architectural statement—one that honours the land it inhabits. More than a building, DROO’s projects is a living laboratory, a sculptural descent through limestone cliffs that invites visitors to explore the intersection of nature, science, and culture.
The Philosophy Behind the Design
The museum’s concept is grounded in a profound question: What does land mean in a region shaped by history, resilience, and ecological richness? Here, land is not just a resource—it is identity, memory, and a silent witness to generations. The architecture reflects this philosophy, blending organic terrain with geometric form to create a space that is both grounded and visionary.
Key Features
The Tower of Knowledge
A vertical spine of the museum, this tower houses an amphitheatre and observatory. It symbolises the ascent from earth to sky, from mineral to cosmos, offering a journey through science, philosophy, and public discourse.
Planetarium and Earth Rooms
The museum’s dual observatories—one celestial, one geological—allow visitors to explore both the stars and the soil. Earth Rooms carved into the cliffside expose raw geological formations, turning architecture into a scientific instrument.
Interactive Labs and Makers’ Workshops
Hands-on learning is central to the museum’s mission. Visitors engage with minerals, planetary models, and material studies, transforming curiosity into knowledge.
Ecological Integration
The museum’s terraced landscape is a tribute to Palestinian flora. Native species such as olive trees, za’atar, cactus, and the rare Iris haynei are carefully integrated into the design, creating a botanical narrative that connects past and present.
Sustainable Construction
Built into limestone rock, the museum leverages the material’s thermal mass and durability. This passive design reduces reliance on concrete and steel, lowers energy consumption, and contributes to carbon sequestration. The building’s orientation and perforated roof structures optimise natural light and ventilation, echoing traditional cooling strategies.
Spatial Experience and Accessibility
Visitors enter through two primary access points—one carved into the rock, the other structured for group arrivals. Inside, a central “interior street” guides movement through exhibition spaces, workshops, and gathering areas. Cantilevered halls offer panoramic views, while deep-set apertures frame geological and celestial moments.
A Museum for All Generations
Designed as a participative space, the museum welcomes children, scholars, and elders alike. It fosters dialogue, curiosity, and shared learning, ensuring that science is not an exclusive domain but a communal journey.
DROO’s Distinction at RSTC
At the Ramallah Science and Technology City International Design Competition, the architectural proposal by and of DROO – Da Costa Mahindroo Architects was officially distinguished for its visionary approach and ecological sensitivity. [ceoinsightsindia.com]
“As architects, we transcend the conventional, considering the intricate parameters that shape our built environment—social, environmental, political, economic, and technological. Our studio embodies a multidisciplinary ethos, seamlessly weaving together product design, interiors, architecture, and urban design, driven not by fleeting styles but by a commitment to the process.”
— , Co-Founder of DROO [ceoinsightsindia.com]
This recognition underscores the studio’s commitment to research-driven design, sustainability, and contextual innovation.
Why It Matters
For DROO, the Ramallah Science Museum is more than an architectural feat—it is to serve as a cultural and educational beacon. It redefines how we relate to land, science, and each other. In a region where every stone tells a story, this museum listens, learns, and teaches.