04.21.2005

­HARTFORD, CT –April 21, 2005 –The Connecticut Center for Science & Exploration is closing-in on a Fall 2005 groundbreaking date with the introduction today of an enhanced building design, the appointment of a world-class exhibit design team and the announcement of a preferred construction manager.

“We continue to work towards groundbreaking this year,” said Dr. Theodore S. Sergi, President/CEO of the Center. “With our accelerated schedule, it is important to bring together the exhibit planning, construction and architecture team now so they can work together to bring this project in on time and on budget with the quality befitting a project this important.”

Architecture
Since submitting the popular building concept prepared for the Center’s design competition in September 2004, winning architect Cesar Pelli and Associates has been working with the Center to refine the design for the final plans. The architects today presented to the Board the next generation of the design, featuring a re-proportioned building that showcases a revised “Magic Carpet” rooftop over the dramatic “Science Alley” public atrium. “With these improvements, the building has become more handsome and more efficient,” said Cheryl A. Chase, Chair of the Center’s Facility Committee. “The new sculpted roof now stands out as a signature, while reflecting the architectural lines of our neighbors, such as the Phoenix building and the new Convention Center,” said Fred Clarke, a Principal at Cesar Pelli and Associates.The revised design delivers more exhibit and program space per square foot with an improved layout. The layout, which will continue to evolve with the collaborative efforts of the architect, the museum planners, the exhibit designers and construction team, will also ease circulation and create more activity on Columbus Boulevard.

Exhibit Designers
The Center’s Board of Trustees, meeting at Aetna Inc.’s world headquarters in Hartford, selected the team of Thinc Design of New York and Jeff Kennedy Associates of Boston to conceptualize the Center’s approximately 40,000 square feet of exhibits. Collectively, Thinc/Jeff Kennedy have designed some of the world’s most exciting educational exhibits, including major projects for the New York Hall of Science, the Museum of Science & Industry in Jacksonville, the California Academy of Sciences, and the new Science Center of Iowa. “Combined, Thinc/Jeff Kennedy are the most exciting exhibit designers in the industry today,” said Dr. Sergi. “We look forward to working with them to create exciting, compelling and educational hands-on exhibits that will redefine the state-of-the-art.”The Thinc/Jeff Kennedy team’s first assignment will be to develop an exhibit concept plan, coordinating with architects Cesar Pelli and Associates to create a powerful visitor experience that inspires audiences to explore, embrace and pursue science.

Construction Manager
Also today, the Center announced the selection, by the State of Connecticut Office of Policy and Management, of Whiting-Turner Contracting Company as the preferred construction manager to build the approximately 144,000 square foot museum facility and its attached garage. Pending successful negotiation of contract terms, Whiting-Turner, which recently built the Maryland Science Center expansion in Baltimore, and the Anlyan Center for the Yale University School of Medicine in New Haven, will act as construction manager for the project, engaging firms from throughout Hartford, the state and the region for construction.

Progress
The Connecticut Center for Science & Exploration, which will be built between the new Connecticut Convention Center/Marriott Hotel complex and Downtown Hartford’s Riverfront Promenade, is nearing its construction phase. “Starting next month, we will begin some preliminary engineering analysis of the site, and we are on course to begin full-scale construction this fall,” said Dr. Jack Rowe, Chairman/CEO of Aetna and a member of the Center’s Board. “We are closer every day to our goal of encouraging more children to explore, study and enjoy science in a science center that will be a source of pride and inspiration for all of Connecticut.”

The Connecticut Center for Science & Exploration will spark creative imagination and an appreciation for science by immersing visitors in fun and educational hands-on, interactive experiences. The Center, which is planning a state-of-the-art science center facility as part of Hartford’s downtown and riverfront development initiative, is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing science education throughout the state of the Connecticut, providing learning opportunities for students and adults of all ages, and engaging the community in scientific exploration.

Photos

	A view from the south. Click to enlarge.
	A view from the south east. Click to enlarge.
	A view from the north west. Click to enlarge.