Award

DECEMBER 2017 | 75 Canada Science and Technology Museum PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY INGENIUM – CANADA'S MUSEUMS OF SCIENCE AND INNOVATION Canada Science and Technology Museum by ZUZANNA WODZYNSKA I n November of this year, the Canada Science and Technology Museum in Ottawa, Ontario, reopened its doors after shutting down in 2014 due to the discovery of mould and a leaky roof. "The reopening of the museum coincided with our 50th anniversary so we took the opportunity to take a close look at who we are and where we are headed," says Fern Proulx, the interim CEO of Ingenium – Canada's Museums of Science and Innovation. "Our goal is to deliver experiences that spark imaginations, celebrate creativity and inspire the next generation of innovators." What started as a pure renovation project came just short of a rebuild as it was a more efficient and cost-effective solution. Only a few structural elements and the original footprint were kept. "Inside, only two elements remain the same: Crazy Kitchen and Locomotives," says Proulx. "They're our oldest exhibitions going back to 1967, and the more than 3,500 locals who participated in our consultation project made it clear these elements were not to be removed. We're a big part of the community." Visitors to the revamped museum will certainly notice the new entrance. "It's an immersive tunnel with 1,400 square feet of LED panels, the biggest screen of its kind that we know of in the country, plus 210 feet of linear projection," notes Proulx. "We are working with the National Film Board of Canada to produce the first show, which is essentially an exhibition you experience before you even set foot in the museum." The exterior of the building was redesigned and uses an angular approach to reflect a modern building that grows organically out of its surrounding landscape. "To support this concept, the main facade of the building includes a juxtaposition of new and raw materials," says Jonathan Hughes from NORR Architects Engineers Planners. NORR also provided structural, mechanical, electrical and interior design for the project. The mix of new and raw materials used include naturally rusting Corten steel panels on the lower section, intended to be organic as well as reminiscent of steel rail. "A porcelain panel system was installed above the Corten steel at different angles and shapes," explains Ludovick Cloutier from Pomerleau Inc. "Exterior projectors were installed to allow content to be displayed on the porcelain panel system." The large white expanse of the main exterior facade and full-height glazing is offset by a large wooden feature element to centralize and bring focus to the lobby and gathering area. "The wooden ceiling takes on the modern forms of the structure above, climbing from the boutique wall into the sky and breaking off into smaller pieces, not unlike scattered pieces of meteorite," describes Alicia Michie of the interior design team on the project from NORR. "The addition of the wooden finish was intentionally selected to add warmth to the space, helping to provide a human connection to the modern atmosphere." Past the lobby, there are 80,000 square feet of entirely new and modular exhibitions that can be easily updated to keep up with changes in science and technology. "The regular exhibition space has been upgraded to ASHRAE B LOCATION 1867 St. Laurent Blvd, Ottawa, Ontario OWNER/DEVELOPER Ingenium – Canada's Museums of Science and Innovation PROJECT MANAGER verTerra Corp. ARCHITECT/STRUCTURAL/ MECHANICAL/ELECTRICAL/ INTERIOR DESIGN CONSULTANT NORR Architects Engineers Planners COMMISSIONING CONSULTANT Morrison Hershfield Limited CONSTRUCTION MANAGER Pomerleau Inc. TOTAL SIZE 144,657 square feet TOTAL COST $80 million standards with a temporary exhibition hall at ASHRAE A, allowing us to bring in a wider range of international exhibitions," notes Proulx. Aside from technical upgrades, there was a key focus on accessibility in the renewal project in both base building and exhibitions, with attention to mobility, lighting and sound. The existing building spaces and areas incorporated a variety of elevations, triggering the need for ramps and stairs throughout the exhibit space, and limiting the shape and size of different exhibits. "Working with the existing building footprint and elevations was a challenge," says Marwan Kishek, the structural engineering lead from NORR. "The former delivery bays of a large bakery warehouse were filled in and a new concrete flooring layer was applied throughout the entire building to facilitate access to all exhibit areas." Another challenge was presented by the Locomotives exhibition. The locomotives remained in their original locations and construction took place around them carefully. "We created a new modern space by keeping them visible from all points of the museum, including views from the parking lot to provide anticipation for visitors as they walk towards the facility," notes Hughes. "This concept continues from the main lobby where we added full-height glazing so visitors can look with fascination at the large steam engines beyond." Meanwhile, the area of the museum set aside for special exhibits required special consideration for the HVAC systems. "Special exhibits require consistent temperature and humidity control so that the historical artifacts are not subjected to rapid changes that could damage them," notes Greg Allan, the mechanical engineering lead on

• Cover