Recently, surveyors, contractors and engineers visited the future home of the Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science, scheduled to open in Museum Park in 2015, to inspect and excavate the land and prepare it for construction. The purpose of the excavation was to determine any points of interference between the remnants of the old slip wall, caps and other debris, and the locations of the new Museum foundation pilings. Done in advance, this work is expected to save time and money when installing the building’s foundation pilings.

First, surveyors from Miller Legg used Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) to identify the locations of buried solid objects on the land and then developed a drawing interpreting the GPR findings. Then, they used the drawing to mark the ground with locations of buried objects, in this case the steel sheet piling and concrete slip wall caps of one of the boat slips of the old Port of Miami.

New Museum Construction Managers Suffolk Construction, then performed the construction work shown in the pictures below. Remnants of the slip wall and concrete caps were located in seven places on the project site during the excavation project. In addition to the steel sheet pilings and the concrete cap of the slip wall were old wood timbers, concrete slabs and foundations of waterfront buildings associated with the old Port.

To view pictures of the excavation process, please click here: Miami Science Museum Site Excavation Photo Binder

Miami Science Museum is seeking Private Provider Inspection Services for the new $275 million Miami Science Museum to be located in Museum Park in Miami, Florida. This new highly sustainable facility will include a planetarium, aquarium, both indoor and outdoor flexible space for science exhibits, as well as educational facilities. Miami Science Museum will make available the Request for Proposals for this project on November 11, 2011. To review the information on Miami Science Museum, please view the Museum’s website at www.miamisci.org and to obtain a copy of the RFP package, contact Jay Nichols at oppenheimlewis@miamisci.org. All proposal packages are due to Miami Science Museum by 12:00 Noon EST, Nov. 23, 2011.

Miami Science Museum is seeking Threshold Inspection Consulting Services for the new $275 million Miami Science Museum to be located in Museum Park in Miami, Florida. This new highly sustainable facility will include a planetarium, aquarium, both indoor and outdoor flexible space for science exhibits, as well as educational facilities. Miami Science Museum will make available the Request for Proposals for this project on November 11, 2011. To review information on Miami Science Museum, please view the Museum’s website at www.miamisci.org and to obtain a copy of the RFP package, contact Jay Nichols at oppenheimlewis@miamisci.org. All proposal packages are due to Miami Science Museum by 12:00 Noon EST, Nov. 29, 2011.

]]> http://www.miasci.org/blog/rfp-threshold-inspection-consulting-services/feed 0 http://www.miasci.org/blog/a-grove-of-mangroves http://www.miasci.org/blog/a-grove-of-mangroves#comments Wed, 17 Aug 2011 13:00:43 +0000 MiaSci http://www.miasci.org/blog/?p=1171

Living Core Rendering - New Museum

The MiaSci Sea Lab, an indoor/outdoor attraction that gives visitors a taste of some of the exciting aquarium components being planned for the new Museum, scheduled to open in Museum Park in 2014 (Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science), recently got some new inhabitants: native red and black mangroves. The mangrove nursery will serve as a prototype for the Living Core exhibits in the new Museum and aims to educate and encourage visitor interest in the subject of our local environment.

The mangrove trees were chosen from a nursery in Homestead, FL and were recently planted in the Sea Lab space. These mangrove trees will grow at the current location over the next few years and will eventually be moved to the new Museum. “The mangrove nursery will utilize rainwater runoff and surplus purified water from the coral aquaculture systems to keep them in the optimum wet environment,” said Skip Uricchio, MiaSci’s Aquarium Curator. “It is always our goal to recycle and reuse our resources in the new exhibits here and at the new museum.”

Mangroves are extremely valuable for coastal ecosystems because their roots stabilize the shoreline, trap pollutants within their sediment and act as breeding grounds for juvenile fish.

Mangrove Nursery at MiaSci

Mangrove roots provide attachment surfaces for marine organisms such as barnacles and oysters and provide protected nursery areas for fish, crustaceans and shellfish. They also contribute to the food web, aiding in a multitude of marine species such as snook, snapper, tarpon, jack, oysters, crabs and shrimp. Animals find shelter in mangrove roots and branches, and the branches serve as rookeries (nesting areas) for coastal birds such as egrets, herons, brown pelicans and roseate spoonbills.

Florida’s estimated 400,000-500,000 acres of mangrove forests contribute to the overall environmental health of the state’s southern coasts. Without mangroves, many coastal fishing areas and habitats would deteriorate.

As many as 50 or more species of mangroves exist around the world. The Red Mangrove, Rhizophora mangle, is found closest to the water and is easily identified by its tangled, arching roots called “prop roots.” Red mangroves are also known as “walking trees” because they creep into new areas by branching roots.

The Black Mangrove, Avicennia germinans, often grows in shallow water and is easily identified by numerous finger-like projections called pneumatophores, that protrude from the soil around the tree’s trunk and help with root aeration and gas exchange.

Red Mangrove

Black Mangrove

Grimshaw Architects use Autodesk’s Revit software to design $272m Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science in Miami

The Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science (formerly the Miami Museum of Science) is an ambitious design project currently at design development at the New York office of Grimshaw Architects. Working in collaboration with executive architects Rodriguez and Quiroga, engineers Arup and exhibition designers Thinc Design, Grimshaw has harnessed the ineffable energy of Miami and channelled it into an interactive educational experience.

Located in a prominent position at Museum Park in downtown Miami, the new Museum of Science will provide accessible links to the surrounding institutions, (many of which are also at the design stage at this point in time) including an art museum, performing arts centre and multifunctional arena. Care has been taken to effortlessly slide the 250,000 sq ft bulk of this new museum complex into its site, with the design deliberately left partially open to the elements so that visitors may interact with the natural surroundings whilst enjoying the internal exhibits.

A key point of the brief was that whilst the building must remain flexible to enable the Museum of Science to adapt to future needs and exhibitions, it was imperative that the concept become part of the display itself. Partner at design architects Grimshaw, Vincent Chang explains: “The New Museum is imbued with the knowledge that it is itself the single largest exhibit; the building harvesting sunlight, water and breezes as well as kids’ energy. These flows are everywhere made apparent, legible and informative.”

Sustainability plays a major role in this project with the list of green design features too long to detail here. Highlights include: photovoltaic panels to generate onsite energy; climate responsive design (opening to prevailing winds, and natural ventilation in the Parking Garage and all exterior areas); stormwater capture, treatment and reuse; use of seawater for exhibitions; optimised glazing and shading; and native vegetation.

The entire $272m complex is due for completion at the end of 2014, with a number of science galleries, a planetarium, and a ‘living core’ aquarium and wildlife centre providing a range of entertaining educational activities for children and adults alike. Chang continues: “Two years ago we were given a simple brief to accompany the complex programme: to create a welcoming meeting place for the community, to create an environment that encourages journeys across thresholds and into science and, of course to be uniquely Miami.”

To view additional project photos online, visit: WorldArchitectureNews.com

Architecture

Measure twice, cut once.

This old adage is one that craftsmen understand well and never question. Careful measurement and planning is essential in producing any quality product, and when it comes to the building industry, a lot of time and effort is spent on measuring and analyzing how a building’s design will interact with materials and environmental conditions like wind, sunlight, water and gravity. In the last couple of decades the building industry has gone digital, and building measurement and analysis tools have become increasingly high tech. Building Information Modeling (BIM) software is a relatively new, promising tool that allows architects and engineers to digitally model the different elements of a building (shape, structure, heating / cooling, cost, materials etc) in real-time and quickly understand how specific changes in design or construction models will impact other variables like structure, loads, energy efficiency and the fiscal bottom line. BIM has especially helped to enable sustainable design – allowing architects and engineers access to higher tech tools than ever before to carefully integrate and analyze things like heat gain, solar, ventilation, and energy efficiency in their designs.

Online Gallery of Photos

WHAT IS BIM?

Building Information Modeling is digital software that creates a 3D representation of a building, which is layered with additional project information. It is sometimes referred to as a “5D representation of a building”, where the 4th and 5th dimension are time and cost. For example, using a BIM model, an architect could simulate how wind would flow around and through a building, and how that ventilation and wind velocity might change if the building’s shape or surface material was changed.  Other additional information that can be modeled in BIM includes component details and specifications, materials, structural loads, air flow, water flow, spatial relationships, scheduling information, cost and more. These are often facilitated directly within a BIM authoring tool such as Revit or Ecotect. BIM is NOT the same thing as 3D CAD (computer-aided design) modeling – the fundamental purpose of CAD is  to illustrate and help people visualize how a building will LOOK, whereas BIM provides detailed information about how a building will FUNCTION.

Architects and engineers like BIM because it helps save them time in the design process, and developers and construction firms appreciate how it can save costs in materials and labor. Building Information Modeling is best used when analyzing how a whole bunch of complex variables work together, and it streamlines the communication process between various parties involved in the design of a building, making it easier to design better buildings. Because BIM increases efficiency in the design process, it is a boon to sustainable design.

THE MIAMI SCIENCE MUSEUM

A great example of how BIM can help architects design greener buildings can be seen in the Miami Science Museum, which is currently being built down on the Miami waterfront as a beacon of 21st century sustainable design. As a dynamic cultural, educational and research science institution, MiaSci is focused on operating with the highest environmental standards, while contributing to creating a healthy regional economy and community. MiaSci has established a Sustainability Platform that aligns the organization’s mission, program and operations with the people, the planet, and prosperity. Creating a building that would reflect and create a space conducive to their mission was essential. Designed by Grimshaw Architects, MiaSci won a grant from the US Department of Energy in 2009 to incorporate BIM into the design process in order to explore different environmental issues during the design stage and to ultimately produce a greener building.

Case Building + Technology group lead the BIM consulting on the MiaSci project and helped Grimshaw specifically model how the solar strategies, water systems, and the shape of the building impact ventilation through the space, and how these elements could in turn be maximized to not only reduce their energy and external resource needs, but how they could fill these voids on site, independent of the grid or other parties.

SOLAR STRATEGIES

The Miami Science Museum carefully integrates the direction and location of the sun into its design – engaging in both passive and active solar design strategies. BIM was used to model out varying solar conditions throughout the day and the year to help design the building shape, overhangs and PV installations. Solar panels cover areas of both the museum’s roof and facade for energy capture from the sun. Highly efficient thin film PVs have also been used in areas such as the atrium and skylights to power up the building, but never at the expense of natural daylighting. Passive solar strategies are well-integrated into the design, and provide a mode for both heating and cooling. In fact, in many instances the PV panels offer direct shading for the building and the interior.

WATER STRATEGIES

MiaSci is a virtual sponge when it comes to water catchment. A belvedere water feature is designed at the roof of the building and uses the natural bio-filtration of rainwater through mangroves and other elements within the opening. The museum’s green roof and interior green wall provide further bio-filtration as well as a temporary means of rainwater retention for later irrigation. Rainwater harvesting is also done at the roof surface, and all captured water is stored on grade in the car park area. Any water in excess of capacity is directed to wetland or to injection wells. Moreover, the museum’s toilets are just as efficient, using treated greywater captured from basins, showers and building systems.

Hosting several water exhibits, MiaSci draws upon rain catchment and the local bay as its main source of water. Freshwater exhibits are supplied by filtered rainwater; and as the museum is sited next to the Biscayne Bay, an inlet has been constructed below the building to draw in seawater for the saltwater exhibits.

MODELING AIR FLOW AND VENTILATION

The shape of the MiaSci building is not accidental. The building form was deliberately designed in a specific way to work with the pattern of wind flow on the site, and ventilation and airflow in regards to building shape was carefully studied and iterated using BIM. The MiaSci building was designed as a solid block on the north and west boundaries of the site, and the southwest orientation was chosen to take advantage of the prevailing winds.

It was understood early on in the design process that the museum’s size and openings were paramount to effective cross-ventilation. To find a balance that created neither too little wind and was still not too windy for comfort, a close analysis of the wind velocities and potential pressure build-up in BIM gave way to the creation of a “canyon” (or a vertical) through the canopy above the undercroft of the museum to relieve the positive pressure. Various simulations through BIM proved that although the canyon gave way to an air flow of significant force, the effect was restricted to the ceiling of the undercroft, and the air conditions at the ground level remained pleasant and comfortable. Numerous iterations were modeled to determine the optimal roof form and height we see today.

Opening to the southwest, the museum takes advantage of the site’s prevailing winds for optimal cross-ventilation and comfort within the total space, as well as the parking lot below. Stacked administration and gallery spaces sit on the eastern end of the museum, and air exchange within these spaces is maximized through an adjacent atrium. While gallery areas are fully conditioned mechanically, the air that is exhausted into these spaces is recycled to pre-cool the fresh air of the atrium, which then flows to cool the administrative floor eventually being exhausted through an acoustic double skin. Photovoltaic wind foils tops off the roof at the western end of the structure, and the radiant heat absorbed by the back of the panels induce convective air movement. The ventilation measures created for the museum are a carefully calculated and succinct system arrived at through a series of BIM analyses. The system holds tight from the start of air flow at the entrance, to the release at the roof and opposite administrative floor, and each step is wholly dependent on the shape of the structure.

Integrating BIM as a key tool in the design process has given way to a streamlined exchange of building information models and analytical data between Case, Grimshaw and their team of consultants — which includes engineers at Arup and architects at Rodriguez & Quiroga. Using BIM, Grimshaw was able to integrate any feedback they received early on and refine their design accordingly to best achieve their goals, the goals of their clients, and to create a truly sustainable structure that would provide a precedent for future green building initiatives.

The Miami Science Museum is seeking Building Commissioning Services for the new $275 million Miami Science Museum to be located in Museum Park in Miami, Florida. This new highly sustainable facility will include a planetarium, aquarium, both indoor and outdoor flexible space for science exhibits as well as educational facilities. The Miami Science Museum will make available the Request for Proposals for this project on February 23, 2011. To review information on the Miami Science Museum, please view the Museum’s website at www.miamisci.org and to obtain a copy of the RFP package, contact Jay Nichols at oppenheimlewis@miamisci.org. All proposal packages are due to the Miami Science Museum by 2:00 p.m.. EST March 14, 2011.

City Commission Approves Construction of Art and Science Museums in Downtown’s Museum Park

(Miami, FL) The City of Miami Commission today approved three resolutions that allow the construction of the Miami Art Museum and Miami Science Museum’s new facilities to begin as part of the Museum Park Miami project.

“Today is a great day in the City of Miami. Museum Park represents an investment in our city and creates a first-rate cultural and recreational space for future generations to enjoy,” said Mayor Manny Diaz. “The Commission has recognized that we must invest in our downtown, and that the addition of the art and science museums and green spaces will breathe new life into the core of our city.”

The City Commission unanimously approved the final lease agreement between the City and the museums, as well as the development and remediation agreement, which provides for the environmental site assessment and corresponding site rehabilitation of Bicentennial Park.

“I’m encouraged that today’s vote will provide our museums with enough momentum to greatly increase their fundraising abilities. This proves to the public that we are committed to seeing these important cultural institutions thrive within our community,” said Commissioner Marc D. Sarnoff.
By allowing MAM and MSM to secure land in downtown Miami, the City has now enabled them to request that Miami-Dade County release the funding from the Miami-Dade County Building Better Communities General Obligation Bonds that has already been allocated for this project. The development agreement provides for the design, development and construction of the project.
“A long dreamed about project is one step closer to reality,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Alvarez. “The new Miami Art Museum and Museum of Science at Museum Park will be world-class facilities with our beautiful Biscayne Bay as a backdrop. Residents and visitors are sure to enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience that only South Florida can offer.”

Museum Park Miami will be a 40-acre city park designed for both active and passive recreation where visitors and residents alike can visit two first-class museums, the Miami Museum of Science & Planetarium and the Miami Art Museum, in an open setting of lawns, public gardens, fountains, and pools – all fronting Biscayne Bay.

“We are very pleased with the support of the City and its Commissioners with the construction of the new Miami Science Museum,” said Gillian Thomas, President and CEO of the Miami Science Museum. “The Miami Science Museum is truly a museum for the people. The new state-of-the-art green building, its aquarium, multi-media planetarium and exhibit space will not only offer great educational value and enjoyment, but will help create jobs for the community. This entire project is a strong team effort between the County, the City and our Museums.”

Terence Riley, Director of Miami Art Museum, said, “We are deeply grateful to the City of Miami and Miami- Dade County for their support. The new Miami Art Museum, designed by Herzog & de Meuron as a welcoming and sustainable building integrated with the park, will be a symbol of Miami in the 21st century. Museum Park will be a vital public space for educational and cultural exchange, both within our community at the center of the Americas and for the world beyond.”
Thursday’s approval culminated a process that began in 2000 when the commission committed itself to the underutilized Park’s revival, passing a resolution to renew Bicentennial Park as a “premier public park.” During that time, the Miami Museum of Science and the Miami Art Museum completed a multi-year site and funding analysis for the development of new, world-class institutions at Bicentennial Park, adopting joint resolutions establishing the collaborative goal of creating “Museum Park Miami” in Bicentennial Park.

In preparation of Bicentennial Park’s redevelopment as Museum Park, the City Commission in October 2001 proposed a citywide referendum for the $255 million Homeland Defense/Neighborhood Improvement Bond issue. The bond program specifically includes $10 million for Bicentennial Park infrastructure improvements and $3.5 million for each museum as a challenge grant for planning and pre-development costs. The bond referendum was approved by City voters on November 13, 2001.