Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/178290
Penguin Plunge – Calgary Zoo p.54-59 700 west8_Penguins.indd 59 as Disney and Cirque du Soleil. "It's nice to have some Alberta projects on the go," comments Schnirer. F&D was also involved in extensive research while fabricating four lifesize penguins that are located inside the exhibit. "We had to be as realistic LOCATION 1300 Zoo Road NE Calgary, Alberta OWNER/DEVELOPER Calgary Zoological Society REUBEN KRABBE/LUMICPHOTO.COM walkway. "This allows the visitors to walk beside the swimming penguins without structural members blocking the view," she adds. No stranger to working with the Calgary Zoo, Ledcor Construction Limited coordinated the construction project that began in July 2010. Ledcor's Tracey Bye, project manager, and Ken Romijn, site senior superintendent, agree that the extensive mechanical systems and unique construction were a collaborated effort among all contractors and trades alike. "Coordination between the shotcrete, mechanical and electrical systems proved to be challenging at times," says Bye. The naturalistic environments within the interior and exterior penguin habitats were developed through close collaboration with Calgary Zoo staff, The Portico Group, Ledcor and the exhibit contractor, Cost of Wisconsin Inc. A scale model was constructed to identify the key exhibit dimensions, textures, inishes and even colouration. Once approved by the project team, the model was then used by Cost's artistic crews to build the authentic replications of rockwork, beach textures, earth banks, snow and ice. Internationally reputed, Calgary-based F&D Scene Changes Ltd. worked with the themed exhibit design team to create some of the most notable interpretive display elements of the exhibit. A seven-foot king penguin with a four-foot chick at its feet greets visitors at the entrance to the exhibit pathway. "The giant penguin evolved through the design process and now serves as an incredible photo opportunity for zoo visitors," says Dana Schnirer, head scenic artist at F&D. The colossal penguin was created, after much research, using a process that involved sculptic foam and ibreglass. The statue is reinforced with a steel base and sleeve system. "We have a lot of experience creating projects that must meet the public's requirements for durability," says Schnirer, whose irm frequently works with entertainment giants such ARCHITECT-OF-RECORD Dialog LEAD ARCHITECT/ EXHIBIT DESIGNER The Portico Group GENERAL CONTRACTOR Ledcor Construction Limited STRUCTURAL CONSULTANT Read Jones Christoffersen Ltd. MECHANICAL CONSULTANT Dialog ELECTRICAL CONSULTANT Robertson & Associates Engineering BUILDING ENVELOPE/ ROOF INSPECTION/INSULATION QUALITY REVIEW CONSULTANT Williams Engineering WET INFRASTRUCTURE CONSULTANT MHW Global Inc. TOTAL AREA 25,000 square feet CONSTRUCTION COST $24.5 million as possible in creating these four replicas. The beaks, eyes, feathers, feet, everything had to be researched," says Schnirer. She admits that marrying durability with accuracy was a challenge. "As project designers, we have done an extensive amount of energy optimization," says Brian Corkum, project manager with Dialog. The gift shop area has an extensive amount of glazing helps to heat the building while solar light tubes in the washrooms and back of house areas help keep arti icial lighting to a minimum during the day. "Waste energy from the exhibit life-support system is used to heat the gift shop which is cooled by a radiant cooling system," says Corkum. "This is a mechanically focused project," says Corkum. "The mechanical and life-support systems play an important role combining comfort levels for visitors with appropriate temperatures and air quality for the penguins." Birds require highly controlled air and water circulation, as they are susceptible to respiratory and other health issues. "The incredible thing is that it is the culmination of so many considerations," says Corkum. "All of the stakeholders provided such a richness to the end result." ■ APRIL 2012 /59 3/26/12 2:27:51 PM