Pop-Up Info Center Science City
A meeting point for the city of tomorrow
Science City Hamburg Bahrenfeld is one of Hamburg's most ambitious urban development projects. It's a new district where international research, university life, innovative companies, and everyday neighborhood living come together. Right next to Volkspark Altona, a 125-hectare urban space is taking shape — with science, housing, green spaces, sports, leisure, shopping, and places to meet.
But before big plans become real places, people need to understand what's going on — and they need a space where they can ask questions, join the conversation, and get involved.
That's where the Science City Info Center comes in.
We came up with the idea and design for a temporary pop-up info center in an old commercial space inside the almost empty Einstein Center. The goal wasn't to create a polished, final exhibition. The space was actually designed to feel open, approachable, and in progress — just like the development itself.
The result is a multifunctional meeting point for the neighborhood: part information center, part workshop space, part exhibition, part local living room. Visitors can learn about the future of Science City Hamburg Bahrenfeld, take part in discussions, attend events, or simply stop by to get a feel for what's in the works.
The design works with the space's existing character instead of covering it up. We took down a few walls, gave everything a fresh coat of paint, and improved the lighting. The color scheme reflects the Science City corporate design. Petrol, mint, anthracite, and a strong magenta give the space its vibe, while blackboard-painted walls turn almost every surface into an interactive tool for ideas, notes, and participation.
There's a big walkable floor graphic that shows the whole planning area, and it makes the scale of the development feel real. Different zones are set up around it: a welcoming reception area, a small office with a kitchenette, a large flexible area for workshops, lectures, and discussions, and an exhibition area that faces the street.
Since it opened in June 2022, the Info Center has been a busy place, with people coming together to share information and participate in activities. It's like a sneak peek into the future of Science City.
'Living next door to people who make atoms visible? Living where award-winning researchers are tracking dark matter? In Science City, this will become the new normal. Here, excellent science and the city of tomorrow mix in everyday life and become a vibrant part of Hamburg - green, diverse, barrier-free and seamlessly connected to the neighborhood. The new Science City Infocenter is a first showcase of this future. It is an open meeting place for everyone: for students, for international scientists and the entire neighborhood.'
(Dr. Andreas Kleinau, CEO of Science City Hamburg Bahrenfeld GmbH)
© Copyright Photos Infocenter Science City: Miguel Ferraz
Design that brings ideas into form
