Suzhou Drainage Museum: A Submarine-Themed Journey of Environmental Education

Revolutionizing Science Popularization Through Immersive Experiences

This sewage treatment science museum stands out with its unique fusion of modern treatment equipment and submarine-inspired elements such as cockpits, portholes, and pipes. The design showcases the effluent treatment process through rational moving lines, providing visitors with a witty and progressive visual narrative. To enhance the educational experience, the museum incorporates various multimedia devices, creating a sense of joy, technology, and ritual.

Constructed using environmentally friendly materials, the Suzhou Drainage Museum not only creates a modern and visually appealing ambiance but also aligns with the concept of sustainable development. With a service area of approximately 58 square kilometers and a daily treatment capacity of 180,000 tons, this museum serves as a testament to the importance of sewage treatment and ecological environment protection.

The Suzhou Drainage Museum goes beyond passive audiovisual displays by offering hands-on activities that allow visitors to actively engage with the sewage treatment process. These interactive areas are strategically placed along the moving lines, providing a tangible and immersive experience. The museum also features a reclaimed water pool, visually showcasing the results of sewage treatment and emphasizing the purity of reclaimed water.

Located near Shihu Bridge in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, the Suzhou Drainage Museum was designed between June and September 2021. The project draws inspiration from Suzhou's advanced drainage system, simplifying the water purification process into easily understandable steps. Through multidimensional displays and interactive elements, visitors can explore the complex process of sewage treatment in a scientific and joyful manner.

Overcoming the challenge of public resistance to traditional science museums, the Suzhou Drainage Museum offers a fresh approach to science popularization. By combining immersive multisensory interaction, hands-on activities, and realistic environmental presentations, the museum sparks curiosity and motivates visitors to explore further. It serves as a bridge between academic knowledge and real-life applications, raising awareness of ecological environment protection.

The Suzhou Drainage Museum has been recognized for its innovative design and educational impact. In 2023, it was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category. This prestigious award celebrates designs that demonstrate creativity, resourcefulness, and a commitment to improving quality of life through art, science, design, and technology.