{"id":6913,"date":"2026-04-14T19:54:23","date_gmt":"2026-04-14T19:54:23","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.angesfinanciers.org\/?p=6913"},"modified":"2026-04-17T15:18:41","modified_gmt":"2026-04-17T15:18:41","slug":"zgf-wraps-space-shuttle-in-stainless-steel-tower-for-california-science-center","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.angesfinanciers.org\/index.php\/2026\/04\/14\/zgf-wraps-space-shuttle-in-stainless-steel-tower-for-california-science-center\/","title":{"rendered":"ZGF wraps space shuttle in stainless-steel tower for California Science Center"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Oschin<\/div>\n

American architecture studio ZGF<\/a>‘s building in Los Angeles<\/a> is complete with a full-size space shuttle “in launch position” wrapped in a stainless steel cylinder.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center (Air and Space Center), designed by ZGF Architects<\/a> and built by MATT Construction<\/a>, took four years to complete.<\/p>\n

It is part of the California Science Center and features a 200-foot-tall (61 metres) curvilinear tower, which holds the full-sized space shuttle.<\/p>\n

\"Samuel
Building construction is complete on an expansion to the California Science Center<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

According to the team, the extension has a “unique architectural identity” from the California Science Center, which is clad in a sandy red brick.<\/p>\n

The 200,000 square foot (18,580 square metre) expansion is affixed to its side, and will double the exhibition space across the entire complex across four storeys.<\/p>\n

While the majority of building construction is completed, the Air and Space Center still needs to be filled with historic artefacts and interactive exhibits, including a fighter jet, ahead of a forthcoming opening date.<\/p>\n

\"Samuel
The Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center expansion is affixed to the side of the main building<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The building’s centrepiece is the retired NASA<\/a> spacecraft Space Shuttle Endeavour. Part of NASA’s Space Shuttle program, the orbiter was used for missions from 1992 until its 25th and last mission in 2011.<\/p>\n

The shuttle now stands upright in the Air and Space Center, wrapped in a 2,000-tonne tower, while the lower portion of the building features two tiers of textured metal, which cantilevers over the entry programme ground.<\/p>\n

\"Samuel
A stainless-steel tower conceals a retired space shuttle. Photo courtesy of California Science Center<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

“At the outset of this project we challenged ourselves to achieve something that has never been done before: to design the only place in the world for the public to see a space shuttle in launch position,” said ZGF partner Ted Hyman.<\/p>\n

“We are proud to deliver an iconic architecture that translates the California Science Center’s moonshot ambition into an approachable experience that feels welcoming, immersive, and engaging to all.”<\/p>\n