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structural engineering process. "The architects are the visionaries," says Epp. "The thing we try to do is facilitate that and give them as much as they're look- ing for, if not more. That's the interest- ing thing about engineering properly applied to a teamwork environment, in that you can bring your expertise to bear and help create something better. You're not just there to say 'you can't do that'." There was a strong spirit of team- work that ran through the design and const r uc t ion process, par t icularly during the construction phase, which started in June 2013. Extensive pre- fabrication took place in Vancouver, including the specialized timber nodes as well as roof panels and a temporary waterproof membrane, so that the building during winter temperatures could proceed quickly and with qual- ity controls in place using minimal on- site labour. As well, extensive attention has been lavished on the visitor experience for the public visiting the museum. "The excellent sightlines of the build- ing and the openness of the space have allowed us to create a really special world on the inside," says Stephen Petri, principal, Reich + Petch Design Interna- tional, who worked with museum staff on the exhibits. "All the elements have come together seamlessly to create an immersive visitor experience capturing the excitement of the discovery of new dinosaur species." Stunning though the building is, it is the skeletons of the Pachyrhinosaurus, Dromaeosaurus and Troodon among others on the inside that will probably be the focus of most of the visitors, as well as the ongoing work by the pale- ontologists that the museum supports. Epp enthuses, "It was kind of fun – everyone's excited to do a good job." ■ Location 5 60051 HWY 668, Grande Prairie, Alberta owner/DeveLoper Pipestone Creek Dinosaur Initiative architect Teeple Architects Inc. / Architecture ATB construction Manager PCL Construction Management Inc. structuraL consuLtant Fast + Epp MechanicaL consuLtant Hemisphere Engineering Inc. eLectricaL/civiL consuLtant AECOM LanDscape architect Scatliff+Miller+Murray Inc. tiMber contractor StructureCraft Builders exhibit Designers/MuseuM pLanners Reich + Petch totaL area 33,000 square feet totaL cost $30 million The nodes are reinforced with carefully oriented screws up to five-feet long. Courtesy Fast + Epp. randy vanderveen 60/ october 2014 Philip J. currie Dinosaur Museum Westwood Mechanical.indd 1 14-09-22 11:54 We are very honoured to be chosen as the electrical contractor for this unique and long lasting monument to the paleontology community. Congratulations to the whole team! Providing quality electrical work for our customers since 1966. www.northgateelectric.ca | 780.538.4056 | Grande Prairie, AB Northgate Electric.indd 1 14-09-15 3:03 PM Scatliff & Arc Interiors Royal Stewart.indd

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