RETAIL COMPLEX SM Mall of Asia, the country’s biggest mall, recently opened a 389,241 square meter science center with futuristic display of new technology, astronomy, robotics, marine life and many other scientific facts and breakthroughs, a statement from mall operator SM Prime Holdings, Inc. said.
 

Called the SM Science Discovery Center, the science facility, which opened on Friday, is the first of its kind in the Philippines, the company said. The center was designed by US-based Leisure Entertainment Consultancy (LEC), which specializes in the development and construction of targeted concepts for theme parks, water parks, entertainment, edutainment attractions, museums and leisure tourism destinations, the company said.

Among its projects are Downtown Disney, Disney’s California Adventure, Lego land, Universal Studios in Hollywood and Orlando, City Walk, and Ramoji Movie Magic Park.

‘We are very excited about this new facility at the SM Mall of Asia. The Science Discovery Center adds a totally new dimension to malling as it guarantees to educate, entertain, and amuse visitors of all ages,’ SM Prime President Hans Sy said in the statement.

The Science Discovery Center has 11 offerings, including the Digistar Planetarium, a 15-meter, I60-seat Theater with a dome-like screen. It offers its viewers a three-dimensional view of the stars, planets, and galaxies through very entertaining shows and documentaries.

Meanwhile, another offering, the Life Clock, provides information on Planetarium show schedules. Image Port allows visitors to play around with the latest in photo technology by having their photos taken from a slew of interesting backgrounds. Photos can be printed on photopaper, mugs and shirts, the firm said.

The Media City showcases computer software, PC games, and trends in computer graphics, animation and special effects. Visitors can interact and play in computer kiosks and stations that generate blazing speeds and dazzling effects.

Another section, Transportation Nation, shows the latest in transport technology: planes, trains, ships, and cars. It has flight simulators and ‘build-a car’ kiosk stations, SM said.

Meanwhile, visitors get to learn about the gross facts about the human body such as how burps are made or what bacteria causes the body to stink in Grossology. ‘There are also Grossology games such as one that tests the nostrils in identifying stinky smells, and another that simulates how the kidney works:’ the statement said.

Spaceship Earth shows the planet through images and sounds, while the Virtual Reef highlights the marine life in the Philippines.

It transports visitors to life underwater through images, sounds and special effects, the mall operator said. City Science, for its part, showcases modern architecture and technology, giving visitors a chance to go on a real-time tour of specific buildings and cities all over the world through a Webcam.

“It also has an earthquake simulator to give visitors a feel of what tremors are like when up in a building during an earthquake,�? SM said.

A section on robots and machines is also part of the facility. Called Robot Inc., the section allows visitors to interact with remote-controlled robots. Visitors can also indulge in robotic workshops at the Lego Mindstorm Robotics Center.

SM Science Discovery Center is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the SM Mall of Asia.