Panama Museum of Biodiversity

Panama City, Panama

Panama Museum of Biodiversity

MKA invented a novel structural system to support the vision for this one-of-a-kind, bold-colored museum featuring two aquariums, eight exhibit halls, an atrium, and retail space. The roof, designed to look like a tropical rain forest’s understory, comprises nine concrete “tree trunk” columns 90 ft above grade and 70 sloping and fully exposed wide-skewed steel strut “branches.” These branches carry loads from 11 “floating,” interlocking, and overlapping roof elements created with 49 asymmetrical, folded steel flat planes.  In addition, MKA engaged Panamanian engineers, steel fabricators, detailers, and contractors to facilitate an international exchange of knowledge and technology, resulting in Panama’s first construction project utilizing 3D design and Computer Numerically Controlled equipment for steel fabrication.