Máquina Science Park

The Máquina Science Park (Martino: Parque de Ciencias de Máquina) is a specialized engineering sciences hub located in the city of Cárdenas, the capital of Nouvelle Alexandrie. It is dedicated to engineering and physics, and hosts several prominent institutes and a number of businesses and spin-offs. The park aims to foster collaboration among academia, industry, and governments in areas such as materials science, sustainable energy, aerospace, environmental studies, and civil engineering. It is one of the two science parks in Cárdenas, the other being the Vida Science Park, which is dedicated to life sciences and health.

History

Máquina Science Park was established as part of the Cárdenas Plan in 1686 AN, as part of the city's strategic construction of advanced scientific infrastructure. It was conceived to support the important work of the Department of Civil Works and Transportation, especially its implementation of the New Prosperity Plan and associated civil works programs. Since its completion in 1688 AN, it has expanded considerably with the addition of major engineering institutes, with specific focus on materials science and sustainable energy. As of 1730 AN, it comprises over 280 hectares / 690 acres in size, with housing, research laboratories, and a major faculty of the University of Cárdenas. It also hosts the important National Engineering Museum, which opened in 1722 AN to showcase the accomplishments of the institutes in the science park.

Since 1694 AN, the University of Cárdenas has been a major partner of the businesses on Máquina Science Park. The collective ownership of the park is shared with the University, the Department of Civil Works and Transportation, and a total of 35 private companies, combined under the so-called "Máquina Science Foundation", which handles the daily administrative and financial affairs of the institutes in the Park.

In 1730 AN, through the implementation of the National Infrastructure Plan (which allocated over €8.5 billion), the Máquina Science Park was expanded extensively through the addition of two new major institutes, as well as 45 new startups.

Education

The University of Cárdenas relocated the Faculty of Engineering to Máquina Science Park in 1700 AN, and the Faculty of Computer Sciences in 1709 AN. These faculties provides both undergraduate and postgraduate programs across diverse engineering disciplines - such as civil engineering, aerospace, electrical engineering, programming, and game design. In 1718 AN, the University opened the specialized School of Civil Engineering, operating under the Faculty of Engineering, focusing on the study of civil engineering - especially environmental engineering and materials science. In 1730 AN, this was followed by the specialized School of Game Design, focusing on game design and theory.

Science and Business

There a seven national centers of research:

1. Institute for Civil Engineering and Materials Science - founded in 1686 AN.
2. Center for Advanced Physics Research - founded in 1692 AN.
3. Center for Earth and Environmental Studies - founded in 1695 AN.
4. Institute for Energy and Sustainable Development - founded in 1708 AN.
5. Institute for Mathematical Models and Simulation - founded in 1712 AN.
6. Institute for Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering - founded in 1730 AN.
7. Institute for Computer Science and Robotics - founded in 1730 AN.

Beyond this, there are a total of 165 private institutes, with the most prominent including:

1. National Construction Corporation, the largest public construction company in Nouvelle Alexandrie.
2. Javelin Industries, a major manufacturer of aerospace and defence technologies.
3. CyberAlexis Systems, a major computer hardware and software producer.
4. Ferronix, the largest iron mining company in Nouvelle Alexandrie.
5. Aldurian Motor Company, a major producer of automobiles and motorbikes.
6. Pontecorvo Firm, a major military and civil shipbuilding company.
7. Farmaker, a major machine tools developer and producer.
8. Chemivon, a major producer of fertilizers and pesticides.
9. Cemcero, a major producer of paints and pigments.
10. Metalfy, a major producer of steel and alloys.
11. EnerNova, a major game development company.
12. NAXConnect, a major internet provider company.

Location

Máquina Science Park is located at the southwestern part of the Science District in Cárdenas. It is accessible through the Cárdenas Metro at the Bolsa Nacional metro station, which stands about 100 m from its northern entrance. The park is flanked at all sides by major thoroughfares, respectively the Avenida de Acciones on the east, Avenida de San Marcel on the north, Avenida de la Libertad on the west, and Avenida de la Sostenibilidad on the south. The streets inside the park are all dedicated to notable engineers and scientists of Nouvelle Alexandrie, including five of Wechua descent. The main road is called Calle de Betancourt, after the founding father of Cárdenas, a renown architect. The science park has multiple hospitality facilities, including the major 'Plaza Punto Cero' in the center of the park. There are major sports accomodations, including an indoor multisport arena, a football field, four tennis/padel courts, two gyms, and a wellness center.

Máquina Science Park has three dedicated green spaces, one in its center, one on the south side, and one on the north side: Parque de Ingenieros, Parque de Computadoras, and Jardín del Progreso, respectively. In the first, a major art installation known as the 'Pilares de la Ingeniería' featuring six tall Corinthian columns was installed in 1712 AN. In the second, a multimedia art installation known as 'Visiones del Futuro' was created in 1730 AN, featuring massive 3D projectors and experimental holographic technology.

See also

• Cárdenas
• University of Cárdenas