Situated on the flats at the end of the Longyeardalen valley the Svalbard Science Centre overlooks Adventfjorden and is the archipelago’s largest building. The striking lines and complex shapes reflect forms in surrounding dramatic landscape, in particular the plateau shaped mountains, although on the other hand the volumes have also been carefully modified using computer simulations to alleviate the effects of winds and movements of snow.
The exterior is dominated by large angled copper clad surfaces and horizontal rows of windows of varying lengths and heights. On the inside the building has several generous public spaces akin to small campus squares.
The Svalbard Science Centre houses the academic institutions present in Longyearbyen, research facilities and some activities for the general public.