Science World Expansion/SWITCH Outdoor Science Park | Completed

[mr.x]

This has been announced for awhile. It was suppose to have been completed last year, but no it is not canceled. There are funding issues, even though the project will only cost $4.5-million. Science World still intends to go ahead with this project...it is their top priority.

It's a shame that they couldn't do more with an expansion. The museum really lacks exhibits, because it lacks space....the admission prices are quite ridiculous, considering what you get to see. I would love to see an underground expansion under the proposed footprint for the Outdoor Experience Park....see 85,000 square feet of exhibit space added to the building....but they would need serious funding for that to happen, and perhaps more annual operational grants from government.

They had huge problems with accommodating the Body Worlds 3 exhibit because of a lack of space. They even had to close down part of the Eureka physics exhibit to fit in Body Worlds. In fact, as many as 12 full body and even a horse specimen that was part of Body World's 3 could not have been brought to Science World due to a shortage in space.

I also hope to see government subsidize admission fees like in Europe. The Hong Kong Space Museum admission fee is subsidized by the government, because it was British influenced when Hong Kong was still a colony. For about CAN$2.00, I could get into the space museum...which was about the same size as Science World. Not to mention that an additional cost for a movie at the museum cost only CAN$0.60. If that were put in place here, you'd have flocks of people going to museums.


Anyhow, I'm not sure how much mileage they'll get out of this proposed outdoor expansion with all the rain we get....nobody wants to be playing out in the rain...especially parents with their kids.

--------------------------------------------



Ken Spencer Science Park at Science World


Continuing in its tradition of turning kids on to science, Science World today unveiled a conceptual plan for a science park unlike any other in North America. Assisted by a commitment of $1 million from lead donor Dr. Ken Spencer (co-founder of Creo Products), the Outdoor Science Park will
animate the rapidly developing False Creek neighbourhood with an array of public and private, colourful, interactive exhibits focusing on the issue of environmental sustainability.

“As Past Chair of Science World’s Board of Governors, I have long been an advocate for all the lively programs and exhibits that exist inside the TELUS World of Science building. I am thrilled today to present the opportunity to bring that same vibrancy outdoors,” says Dr. Ken Spencer. “Imagine False Creek alive with kids learning about potential energy, local water sources and even urban housing growth through bright, hands-on, engaging exhibits!”

Science World’s intention is to develop the 84,000 square foot area surrounding the TELUS World of Science building with a private component (“Ken Spencer Science Park”) and free-to-the-public components (“Environment Walk” & “Water Walk”). Whereas the public areas will provide self-directed, unstaffed exhibits and a practical pedestrian traffic flow on the Sea Wall, the Ken Spencer Science Park will offer more complex, guided exhibits and activities. All exhibits will be designed to educate visitors -- with Science World’s trademark playful style -- about the issues affecting local and global environmental sustainability.

“Environmental sustainability is one of the most relevant topics in science today, especially in our part of the world. But the confines of our facility make it difficult for us to fully engage kids with this issue,” says Bryan Tisdall, Science World’s President & CEO. “We are excited to offer kids the opportunity to learn about the environment directly in the elements, rather than in an enclosed space.” To make the Outdoor Science Park a reality, Science World is now working toward gaining the approval and support of the City of Vancouver, the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation, as well as
community leaders and associations. In addition to Dr. Ken Spencer’s generous gift to the project, Science World is also seeking financial support from individuals, the corporate sector, and government. Science World hopes to open the Outdoor Science Park in 2007.

http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/2201/84046279mr8.jpg

http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/7041/78755336vj1.jpg

http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/9646/92742911zz2.jpg


DID YOU KNOW:

- The Telus World of Science 'golf ball' is actually a geodesic dome, the design of which was created by American inventor R. Buckminster Fuller (1895-1983).

- The building was constructed for Expo 86 and served as the Expo Centre. During the World's Fair the pavilion housed the Futures Theatre. The film A Freedom to Move was featured in the Omnimax Theatre.

- The building contains seven galleries, two theatres, four teaching labs/classrooms, a gift shop, a restaurant and administration offices.

- The building is 155 feet tall and has a volume of 36,790 cubic metres

- The building is supported by 182 piles and a foundation of reinforced steel in a concrete slab.

- There are 391 lights and 766 triangles on the Science World dome.

- There are 15,000 pounds of extruded steel and steel panels on the dome. The panels are 1/40,000th of an inch thick and are covered with a vinyl surface.

- A 45-minute Omnimax film requires about four kilometres of film stock.

- The Omnimax theatre screen is five stories high

- The 15,000-watt xenon lamp that lights the screen is so bright that if you placed it on the surface of the moon and focused it at a spot on Earth, you could see its light.

[mr.x]

Turning kids on to science
An 84,000-square foot outdoor science park, costing about $4.5 million, has been proposed on the grounds of Science World

Chad Skelton
Vancouver Sun

Friday, September, 23, 2005

Science World will today announce an ambitious plan to build a $4.5-million Outdoor Science Park on the grounds around its iconic, geodesic dome.

The idea still requires city approval and additional funding, but high-tech millionaire Ken Spencer has already come forward with a donation of $1 million to get the project going, arguing that getting children interested in science is essential to developing B.C.'s high-tech sector.

"You've got to turn kids on to science," said Spencer, who co-founded the software company CREO. "You've got to make science as fun as kicking a soccer ball."

Detailed plans for the 84,000-square-foot park still need to be worked out, but conceptual drawings shown to The Vancouver Sun earlier this week envision three sections to the park.

The paid-entry Ken Spencer Science Park would be in front of Science World and included in general admission.

But the plan also include two free parks -- an Environment Walk along Quebec Street, and a "Water Walk" along the water side of Science World.

All three sections would feature several outdoor science exhibits.

Science World president Bryan Tisdall said many existing outdoor science parks simply feature regular exhibits placed outside.

In contrast, he said, the Outdoor Science Park will focus on "the science of the environment and the science of sustainability."

Initial ideas for exhibits include a model of the Capilano Reservoir that explains how the region's watersheds work and a model "Climax Forest" that demonstrates how forests regenerate.

The design of the exhibits will be done by Science World staff, said Tisdall, but international companies will likely be contracted to build them.

Building such exhibits is a specialized art, he said, because they need to be able to withstand significant wear and tear.

"The motto is: If you build it, they will jump on it," he said.

Tisdall said he hopes that the Outdoor Science Park will help renew interest in Science World and boost attendance by about 15 per cent -- in part by making it an all-weather destination.

"We want to be as attractive on a sunny day as a rainy day," he said.

Science World will launch a fundraising drive today, seeking support from individuals, corporate sponsors and the government to help cover the additional $3.5 million cost of the park.

Well, a little bit less than $3.5 million.

Eleven-year-old Shira Druker, whose mother was one of the consultants on the early plans, liked the idea of the park so much that she emptied her piggy bank twice to help pay for it, to the tune of $39.55.

The final plans for the park will require approval from city council and the parks board -- votes that will likely take place after the municipal election this November.

Tisdall said initial discussions with councillors and city staff have been favourable.

If everything goes according to plan, Science World hopes to have the park up and running by 2007.

cskelton@png.canwest.com

[Architype]

Looks great - I love the "Conceptual 'Kids-Eye' View".

[canucks23]

I like the Hamster wheel. I wanna try one of those :haha:

[LeftCoaster]

I heard about this a few weeks ago, sounds really cool.

This job is being tendered by a few GCs already so it will than likely go ahead quite soon. I'll see if I can dig up some more info.

[mr.x]

The public environmental walk portion would be a homeless person's paradise.

[deasine]

The public environmental walk portion would be a homeless person's paradise.

Yes that would be the case. Then again the benches that don't deter sleeping would be paradise too.

Does City council approve of this?

[mr.x]

Yes that would be the case. Then again the benches that don't deter sleeping would be paradise too.

Does City council approve of this?

The city council at the time this was proposed in 2005 loved it.

[LeftCoaster]

The public environmental walk portion would be a homeless person's paradise.

My guess is it will be heavily patrolled by private security... I'd be surprised if you would see more homeless there than you do anywhere else downtown.

[mr.x]

My guess is it will be heavily patrolled by private security... I'd be surprised if you would see more homeless there than you do anywhere else downtown.

Imagine if the homeless decided to have a squat there.:haha:

[Yume-sama]

Imagine if the homeless decided to have a squat there.:haha:

You can't kick them out of a space on the PLANET THEY WERE BORN ON. :D

[mr.x]

You can't kick them out of a space on the PLANET THEY WERE BORN ON. :D

does that mean that when i come home, i could expect to see strangers in my bedroom and living room?

[SpongeG]

there used to be a tent city there a few years ago

it caused a ruckus

[metroXpress]

Does anyone know about the outdoor science park at Science World? There have been news for it awhile ago. They also have signs on the doors to the outdoor plaza. Are they still there?

Quoted from MrX from 2007

This has been announced for awhile. It was suppose to have been completed last year, but no it is not canceled. There are funding issues, even though the project will only cost $4.5-million. Science World still intends to go ahead with this project...it is their top priority.

It's a shame that they couldn't do more with an expansion. The museum really lacks exhibits, because it lacks space....the admission prices are quite ridiculous, considering what you get to see. I would love to see an underground expansion under the proposed footprint for the Outdoor Experience Park....see 85,000 square feet of exhibit space added to the building....but they would need serious funding for that to happen, and perhaps more annual operational grants from government.

They had huge problems with accommodating the Body Worlds 3 exhibit because of a lack of space. They even had to close down part of the Eureka physics exhibit to fit in Body Worlds. In fact, as many as 12 full body and even a horse specimen that was part of Body World's 3 could not have been brought to Science World due to a shortage in space.

I also hope to see government subsidize admission fees like in Europe. The Hong Kong Space Museum admission fee is subsidized by the government, because it was British influenced when Hong Kong was still a colony. For about CAN$2.00, I could get into the space museum...which was about the same size as Science World. Not to mention that an additional cost for a movie at the museum cost only CAN$0.60. If that were put in place here, you'd have flocks of people going to museums.


Anyhow, I'm not sure how much mileage they'll get out of this proposed outdoor expansion with all the rain we get....nobody wants to be playing out in the rain...especially parents with their kids.

--------------------------------------------



Ken Spencer Science Park at Science World


Continuing in its tradition of turning kids on to science, Science World today unveiled a conceptual plan for a science park unlike any other in North America. Assisted by a commitment of $1 million from lead donor Dr. Ken Spencer (co-founder of Creo Products), the Outdoor Science Park will
animate the rapidly developing False Creek neighbourhood with an array of public and private, colourful, interactive exhibits focusing on the issue of environmental sustainability.

“As Past Chair of Science World’s Board of Governors, I have long been an advocate for all the lively programs and exhibits that exist inside the TELUS World of Science building. I am thrilled today to present the opportunity to bring that same vibrancy outdoors,” says Dr. Ken Spencer. “Imagine False Creek alive with kids learning about potential energy, local water sources and even urban housing growth through bright, hands-on, engaging exhibits!”

Science World’s intention is to develop the 84,000 square foot area surrounding the TELUS World of Science building with a private component (“Ken Spencer Science Park”) and free-to-the-public components (“Environment Walk” & “Water Walk”). Whereas the public areas will provide self-directed, unstaffed exhibits and a practical pedestrian traffic flow on the Sea Wall, the Ken Spencer Science Park will offer more complex, guided exhibits and activities. All exhibits will be designed to educate visitors -- with Science World’s trademark playful style -- about the issues affecting local and global environmental sustainability.

“Environmental sustainability is one of the most relevant topics in science today, especially in our part of the world. But the confines of our facility make it difficult for us to fully engage kids with this issue,” says Bryan Tisdall, Science World’s President & CEO. “We are excited to offer kids the opportunity to learn about the environment directly in the elements, rather than in an enclosed space.” To make the Outdoor Science Park a reality, Science World is now working toward gaining the approval and support of the City of Vancouver, the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation, as well as
community leaders and associations. In addition to Dr. Ken Spencer’s generous gift to the project, Science World is also seeking financial support from individuals, the corporate sector, and government. Science World hopes to open the Outdoor Science Park in 2007.

http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/2201/84046279mr8.jpg

http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/7041/78755336vj1.jpg

http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/9646/92742911zz2.jpg


DID YOU KNOW:

- The Telus World of Science 'golf ball' is actually a geodesic dome, the design of which was created by American inventor R. Buckminster Fuller (1895-1983).

- The building was constructed for Expo 86 and served as the Expo Centre. During the World's Fair the pavilion housed the Futures Theatre. The film A Freedom to Move was featured in the Omnimax Theatre.

- The building contains seven galleries, two theatres, four teaching labs/classrooms, a gift shop, a restaurant and administration offices.

- The building is 155 feet tall and has a volume of 36,790 cubic metres

- The building is supported by 182 piles and a foundation of reinforced steel in a concrete slab.

- There are 391 lights and 766 triangles on the Science World dome.

- There are 15,000 pounds of extruded steel and steel panels on the dome. The panels are 1/40,000th of an inch thick and are covered with a vinyl surface.

- A 45-minute Omnimax film requires about four kilometres of film stock.

- The Omnimax theatre screen is five stories high

- The 15,000-watt xenon lamp that lights the screen is so bright that if you placed it on the surface of the moon and focused it at a spot on Earth, you could see its light.

[metroXpress]

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

2008TTED0052-001839

Dec. 8, 2008
Ministry of Technology, Trade and Economic Development


GOVERNMENT PROVIDES $10.5M FOR SCIENCE WORLD BC RENEWAL


VANCOUVER – A $10.5-million investment by the Province will help Science World BC undergo much-needed upgrades and develop an outdoor science park, Ida Chong, Minister of Technology, Trade and Economic Development, announced today.



“Science World BC plays an important educational role in our communities, and it is a symbol of British Columbia’s leadership in science, technology and innovation,” Chong said. “This funding will help ensure Science World can continue to spread enthusiasm for science and technology to children and adults around the province.”



Science World BC opened in 1989 and attracts more than 525,000 visitors annually. The building, erected for Expo 86, was not designed or built for permanent operations. The facility needs upgrades to its building systems, including envelope, foundations and structure, to remain usable on an ongoing basis.



“We are proud of our efforts to inspire a science and technology culture in British Columbia, and this funding will help protect our unique iconic building,” said Bryan Tisdall, president and CEO of Science World. “We are really looking forward to creating our outdoor science park. It’s going to make learning about environmental sustainability exciting and meaningful for our visitors – and it will include our trademark engaging and hands-on approach to discovering science.”



Science World aims to use the 7,803-square-metre park to explore themes of science and sustainability – such as clean energy, earth science and water stewardship – making them relevant and meaningful for the community.



In addition to its programs in Vancouver, Science World BC also offers a variety of outreach programs that bring science into classrooms and communities, addressing everything from climate change and environmental action to the human body. These programs reach more than 180,000 children, educators and parents throughout the province.

-30-





Media

contact:
Gordon Williams

Communications Director

250 952-0152

250 413-7316 (cell)






For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca.

[LeftCoaster]

I haven't heard anything, which should mean it is still on track... has anyone heard otherwise?

[AlexYVR]

As long as kids stay off the GD bike path - maybe some sort of invisible electric fence?

[Yume-sama]

As long as kids stay off the GD bike path - maybe some sort of invisible electric fence?

That would certainly teach them the science of something. :P

[SpongeG]

Climax forest

tee hee

[mr.x]

There's no timeline for the project, how unfortunate....



If only the province could hand over Science World something like $100-million, much-needed renovations and 80,000 sq. feet in additional exhibit space and the moving of the Space Centre from Vanier Park to Science World. The museum shouldn't just be for toddlers and elementary school kids, the only real exhibit Science World has had in the last decade was Body Worlds 3 - and even then, they were only able to bring 70% of the specimens to Vancouver because Science World was simply too small (even after using half of the Eureka physics space and expanding into the concourse).

[mr.x]

Could a mod please merge this thread with the thread that already exists?

Old topic:
http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=146407


thx.

[Coldrsx]

Climax forest

tee hee

exactly

[raggedy13]

Could a mod please merge this thread with the thread that already exists?

Old topic:
http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=146407


thx.

Done. :)

[metroXpress]

.....it's already merged

[metroXpress]

Looks like nothing is going on.....I wonder if the project is dead or not??

[hollywoodnorth]

I vote for DEAD

[mr.x]

The project is very much alive....in fact, there are plans to retrofit the dome for $22-million and still build the outdoor park for $6-million.


Anyhow, Science World is celebrating its 20th anniversary today by having free admission for the general public.

[deasine]

Well now dragon boating, I see fences around the vicinity but I'm not sure if it's for the outdoor park.

[metroXpress]

Great to hear...that the project is not dead :)

[SpongeG]

free science world today and i have it off

[metroXpress]

Telus World of Science getting major contribution from federal government
Extra money will go towards building outdoor science display
Jim Goddard/Evan Kelly VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) 2009-10-22 08:52

VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) - The federal government has kicked in $10.5 million towards the $31.5 million upgrade to Telus World of Science.

It matches the amount of money contributed by the provincial government and $10.5 million that needs to be raised by the Science World Society.

CEO Brian Tisdall says there's lots to be done. "We have a major challenge in front of us in terms of restoration of the Science World facility on False Creek. It was built in 1985, in preparation for the World's Fair."

The extra money will allow Telus World of Science to build an outdoor science display on top of its plans to upgrade the rest of the facility.



http://www.news1130.com/news/local/more.jsp?content=20091021_205348_8560

[mr.x]

^ awesome, but couldn't they have made that announcement earlier so that they could have done it in time for 2010?

The renovations are really needed, the museum is incredibly outdated and the exhibits are blah.....not too sure if the outdoor science park will be money well spent considering the weather we have for much of the year.

[officedweller]

Agreed on the outdoor science park - not fun for kids to play on wet equipment.

As for 2010 - I suspect the inside will be gutted (or put in storage) anyways for Sochi House.

[LeftCoaster]

I thought the conservatives were against science in all its forms? :koko:

[Metro-One]

Good news, I loved Science World as a child and still go there about once a year for an exhibit. Also it has one of the best lighting displays in the city. Would be a hard time passing such a lighting display these days with condos right there!

[mr.x]

Agreed on the outdoor science park - not fun for kids to play on wet equipment.

As for 2010 - I suspect the inside will be gutted (or put in storage) anyways for Sochi House.

Rather than going ahead with the silly outdoor park idea, they should look at expanding their museum exhibition space. It's tiny. It needs more exhibits, more variety....and more mature stuff for adults to do. Body Worlds 3 a few years ago was the highlight exhibit in the museum's history.

I used to work there so i do know the place quite well, there isn't much storage space to fit all the exhibits. I think they will have to move some exhibits out to a temporary storage facility somewhere else.

[Metro-One]

They had an awesome special effects exhibit years ago.

They should build a second sphere then we can have boobs!

[Whalleyboy]

thats the greatest idea ever lol

but expansion of its indoors is pretty close though

[jlousa]

The outdoor exhibit will consist of environmental sciences, items that can't be done inside like a wind turbine, solar panel, etc.

[mr.x]

I'm assuming they are planning on building a new entrance? They can't possibly be expecting people to go all the way around.

http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/9646/92742911zz2.jpg

[Vancity]

^ I agree that the Science outdoor park may not be much benefit to people, considering the type of weather we have throughout the year (most of it). It rains a ton. Not really appropriate weather for a science park. the only use I can see it for, is during the summer months. but that's it.

I think they should upgrade, expand, and renovate the current Science World. We need more space, and like most people on these boards have said, more exhibits would be a nice addition to attract more people.

[mr.x]

^ Science World attracts tons of people everyday, even weekdays but obviously weekends are a huge hit. The demand is there today for exhibit space expansion, but they don't have any plans for it at all in the near future.

[nova9]

I'm so excited about this development. Along with the Aquarium expansion, we have solidified the legacy of these 2 wonderful centres for science education!!

[vanman]

They had an awesome special effects exhibit years ago.

They should build a second sphere then we can have boobs!

:haha:

[GeeCee]

I miss the Mine Game exhibits at Science World.. I wish there was some way to download the computer based games that they had set up again that didn't rely upon physical experiments.. :(

It could really use some renos though. Maybe I'll go check it out before they close it down to become Sochi House for the Olympics on January 20th.

[Vancity]

^ Science World attracts tons of people everyday, even weekdays but obviously weekends are a huge hit. The demand is there today for exhibit space expansion, but they don't have any plans for it at all in the near future.

How come?

[officedweller]

Posted by JLousa:

For those wondering what the expanded Science World will look like I've attached the renders. It's acutally a pretty large expansion. Enjoy

NE Perspective
http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/developmentservices/devapps/1455quebec/neprespective.pdf

SE Perspective
http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/developmentservices/devapps/1455quebec/swprespective.pdf

E+W Elevation
http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/developmentservices/devapps/1455quebec/ewelevations.pdf

N+S Elevation
http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/developmentservices/devapps/1455quebec/nselevations.pdf

Level 1
http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/developmentservices/devapps/1455quebec/lvl1flplan.pdf

Level 2
http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/developmentservices/devapps/1455quebec/lvl2flplan.pdf

Roof Plan
http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/developmentservices/devapps/1455quebec/roofpl.pdf

Open house invitation for May 26th presentation.
http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/developmentservices/devapps/1455quebec/opltr.pdf

[mr.x]

Can a mod change the topic title to:

Science World Expansion and SWITCH Outdoor Science Park | U/C



More info and renderings from the Science World website.
http://www.scienceworld.ca/switch


SWITCH OUTDOOR SCIENCE PARK

http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/8018/screenshot20100705at117.png

The proposed outdoor gallery will:

* Introduce visitors to sustainability topics related to six themes: Water, Housing, Energy, Waste, Transportation and Food.
* Provide space for large outdoor exhibits, programs, construction activities and explorative play.
* Provide a secure and safe outdoor space for Science World visitors, campers and school groups.
* Provide an outdoor flexible exhibit space that will be open to the public for special events, programs or exhibits.



In addition, the project will positively impact Creekside Park. As part of the project, Science World will:

* Relocating the Tower of Bauble, Science World’s iconic rolling ball sculpture, to the eastern edge of the new plaza and closer to Quebec Street.
* Creating an informal public plaza that will include a canopy to provide weather protection for the public and Science World visitors.
* Improving the entry to the Science World building from Quebec street.
* Providing and maintaining free interactive science exhibits around our facility and along the edge of the exhibition and gallery space.
* Providing views into our outdoor stage and flexible exhibition space.
* Clarifying and improving the pedestrian and bike traffic around our facility.
* Clarifying and improving the automobile traffic control related to servicing the Science World building—loading and deliveries as well as the arrival and departure of school groups.
* Better integrate with City and Parks Board long-term vision for the site, including a future street car stop and reclamation of temporary decking.


http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/6762/screenshot20100705at112.png

http://img534.imageshack.us/img534/9039/screenshot20100705at113.png





FACILITY RENOVATIONS AND EXPANSION

Science World is embarking on an exciting set of renovations to update and expand our building! A building audit carried out in 2004 clearly identified that extensive improvements are needed to the building.

In embarking on these renovations, Science World also intends to address our need to expand our levels of engagement and deepen our impact, and to see that sustainable building methods and options are used within the building to help lead public discussion on understanding the environmental impacts of our decisions.

http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/7084/screenshot20100705at114.png

[GeeCee]

Is anything actually visible as of yet? I'd appreciate any pictures..

From looking at a prior press release (http://www.scienceworld.ca/pdf/press/April%2021%20Science%20World%20Begins%20Construction.pdf), construction must be completed by March 2011 (economic stimulus funding?)..

[SpongeG]

parts have been under tarps or scaffolding for a few weeks now - something has been going on

[mr.x]

I've been told by staff that both the expansion/renovations AND the outdoor science park will be completed by March 2011.

Can't wait.


The scaffolding is for the new exterior wall panels.

[SpikePhanta]

Great to see this finishing soon, i'll probably go on opening day!

[SpongeG]

is Telus no longer paying to have its name associated with the place?

[mr.x]

is Telus no longer paying to have its name associated with the place?

Far from it.

Telus paid $9-million for the naming rights of Science World for something like 15 years. We still have about 10 years to go.


The current expansion plans are promising, but it's still a rather small museum...

[SpongeG]

on the renderings Telus name is absent - shouldn't it be on the science world name somewhere even on the renderings...

[mr.x]

on the renderings Telus name is absent - should it be on ther science world name somewhere even on the renderings...

I know, kinda weird. But it's been like that for years. I volunteered and worked at Science World a few years ago, a lot of their communique's and internal memo's still used the old logo. In other words, the old logo is still used a lot.

[SpongeG]

someone should email telus and tell them of the oversight

[mr.x]

someone should email telus and tell them of the oversight

Haha, could care less...I personally prefer a non-corporatized version of any publicly owned institution, and if Science World is getting away with it - awesome.

[BCPhil]

someone should email telus and tell them of the oversight

No, someone should email telus and tell them that "Telus world of Science" is a horrible name. It makes it sound like a museum dedicated to promoting telecommunications.

[mr.x]

No, someone should email telus and tell them that "Telus world of Science" is a horrible name. It makes it sound like a museum dedicated to promoting telecommunications.

Nobody calls it the "Telus World of Science". Everyone I know, including those that work there, still call it "Science World". Officially, it's "Science World at the Telus World of Science".

[touraccuracy]

telusphere was a cool name.

[officedweller]

FYI - the entire back side (water side) of Science World (the stepped part) has been demolished.
Along that stretch, the new expansion will extend out over the walkway (creating a covered walkway).

[Smooth]

Looks like they're also putting in new piles into the water. As I recall, the dock around Science World was in pretty bad shape and the whole thing needed replacing.

[officedweller]

There's a barge there with a crane for loading debris from the site, don't think there's a pile driver on it though.

Don't think they're installing new pilings - I think they reinfored the existing ones instead.

[BCPhil]

FYI - the entire back side (water side) of Science World (the stepped part) has been demolished.
Along that stretch, the new expansion will extend out over the walkway (creating a covered walkway).

They've taken away so much that it looks like there are only a couple of matchsticks worth of concrete keeping the sphere from rolling into false creek.

[officedweller]

Yeah - when I first saw it I wondered how the globe was still aloft. If the Big One hits, I don't think there would be enough lateral stabilization to keep it up. I'll bet that the stepped part used to act act as buttresses.

[SpongeG]

was down there today a lot of noise from the pile driving things

[metroXpress]

Great to see lots of work going on when I drove past the area the other day....

[GeeCee]

Science World will be closed from Sept 7 - 15 for construction on the galleries.

[vanman]

To keep this thread relevant:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v643/vannmann/DSCF1925.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v643/vannmann/DSCF1927.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v643/vannmann/DSCF1960.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v643/vannmann/DSCF1930.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v643/vannmann/DSCF1934.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v643/vannmann/DSCF1928.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v643/vannmann/DSCF1944.jpg

[officedweller]

Thanks for posting!

[mr.x]

Some reno/expansion pics of Science World:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/scienceworldca/



Also take a look at the "Facility Renovation Presentation" to the City of Vancouver:
http://www.scienceworld.ca/pdf/Facility_Renovation_Presentation.pdf

Some highlights:

- Changing our 260 Dome lights from CFL’s to LED’s, we will use the same amount of energy, but we will use it more efficiently:
Before: CFL (Fluorescent lights), producing 1 colour only (white)
After: LED (Light Diodes), producing 16 million different colours!!!

- We will install a 1,000 watt wind turbine that will help power our exhibits, reducing our energy consumption

- Solar panels will be integrated to serve both as shades and as electricity producers

- Install a proposed 3,000sq.ft. green roof

[officedweller]

Thanks for posting.

Funny how they say the west expansion will act as a beacon at the end of False Creek - since the dome already does that!

[vanman]

Taken Thursday:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v643/vannmann/DSCF2505.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v643/vannmann/DSCF2484-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v643/vannmann/DSCF2556.jpg

[SpongeG]

did anyone see the ball lit up saturday night? will be tonight i assume too - was lit up like a rotation jack o lantern! it was really cool

[vanman]

Check this vid out, it shows the jack o lantern at the end:

n2YekmH3hNc?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0"

[deasine]

The jack-o-lantern fades and rotates its way around. Saw it on the SkyTrain; pretty cool.

[djh]

I was really hoping the LED upgrades would have been in place for the Winter Olympics. Sochi could have put on a fantastic marketing campaign if the whole of Science World was able to glow and ebb with their logos, pictures, patterns, etc.

As per usual in Vancouver developments, the project kinda just missed the deadline...:whip:

[Locked In]

A little bit of progress here - the new facade includes a lot bright, primary colours my photo (https://picasaweb.google.com/dev.pics.1/VancouverFall2010#5586321824742791122), today:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_9FW9P3-u1EI/TYaaGhzOV9I/AAAAAAAAEMo/beM4qSO7rFc/s720/IMG00156-20110320-1612.jpg

[officedweller]

I noticed the red panelling too - hopefully the whole thing doesn't degrade into a Legoland appearance.

[Locked In]

^ No kidding. But parts of the new facade looks like they're going to be grey, featuring yellow, blue and red blocks, so...

[entheosfog]

Some quick snaps from today:

http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/2276/dscn2007k.jpg

http://img847.imageshack.us/img847/2301/dscn2008.jpg

http://img828.imageshack.us/img828/9514/dscn2009l.jpg

[sono65]

Colors used make it look like its from the mid 80's. Reminds me a bit of Spectrum.

Thanks for the Photos.

[agrant]

Colors used make it look like its from the mid 80's. Reminds me a bit of Spectrum.

Thanks for the Photos.It is from the mid 80's. Built for Expo. ;)

[Overground]

Now it looks like it actually hasn't been renovated since the 80s.

This kind of 80s colour blocking was used for a lot of things back then. Didn't Le Chateau even have this kind of design stuff for their stores or their shopping bags?

[sono65]

Wonder if they'll give the old ball a power wash when it's completed. Looks like it could use it almost as much as Sears.

[Spork]

^^ What you're seeing is likely reflection. They cleaned it before the Olympics when they replaced all of the lights to LED.

[itinerant]

Here's a quick comparison of Expo 86 Centre during the fair 25 years ago, and the image from Etheosfog today. Can't say I like the Mondrian look of the new panels, but they certainly are consistent with the trend in colour blocking buildings in Vancouver (Capitol comes to mind).

http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/9720/expo86centrecomparison.jpg (http://img17.imageshack.us/i/expo86centrecomparison.jpg/)
Photo on the left copyright (c) 1986 Gregory Melle, Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/canadagood/3069595766/in/photostream/)
Photo on the right from entheosfog (a few posts above)

[SpongeG]

i quite like the 80's look - the red band under the ball is really eye catching

[jsbertram]

i quite like the 80's look - the red band under the ball is really eye catching

The Expo86 photo is on the left.

The red band is on the 2011 version of 'the sparkly golfball'.

I can't believe we're already doing "retro 80's" decorating.
Doesn't anyone have good -new -current -fresh design ideas?

[SpongeG]

The Expo86 photo is on the left.

The red band is on the 2011 version of 'the sparkly golfball'.

i know i mean i like the retro 80's look of the renovation - the original is okay but the renovated version is better

[officedweller]

You can see the Expo Theatre in the background of that Expo pic.

I like the original version better - unless they plan on covering the colour blocking with banners, the original design allowed more promotional opportunities with the banners that they displayed on the facades. Now it looks quite generic, whereas before, there were images of "science-y" things.

[BCPhil]

i know i mean i like the retro 80's look of the renovation - the original is okay but the renovated version is better

The original looks more like it was intended to be temporary, like they didn't put on some nice walls because they figured it was coming down in a year. I like that the renovation is 80's retro. It makes the building look more complete while still keeping the 80's "heritage" alive and well. And the red band is very striking.

The color blocks also makes it pretty apparent that the contents inside are targeted for children and families. It might not be quite contemporary enough for some, but it does feel inviting, like it is asking me to come check it out.

You can see the Expo Theatre in the background of that Expo pic.

I like the original version better - unless they plan on covering the colour blocking with banners, the original design allowed more promotional opportunities with the banners that they displayed on the facades. Now it looks quite generic, whereas before, there were images of "science-y" things.

If you look closely at the pics, it looks like there are some pegs sticking out of some of the blocks near the top and bottom of the wall. They are equally spaced on the various sections, so it looks like they are there to hang some banners off of. It looks like they will be narrow banners, but narrow banners seem to be more popular at the moment anyway. Many touring shows probably have a standard size banner to hang in advertisement.

[trofirhen]

Sorry but I like the original shiny one better.

[Sprawl]

Sorry but I like the original shiny one better.

What's shiny in the 'original' one that isn't shiny now?
I like what they've done with the renovation, It stays true to the architectural period and building's use.

[SFUVancouver]

It doesn't help that the current photo was taken on a cloudy day since the mirrored surfaces simply reflect what's around them. With that said, the gradual weathering of the geodesic surfaces and their support space frame and mullions have taken some of the lustre off of the building since it was built 25 years ago. It never hurts to remember that it was a built to be a temporary structure, too.

I'm very happy to see that Science World has been able to raise and receive the resources necessary to renew and grow into the next phase of its life. Plus its relative position in the city has only improved, and will continue to do so, as the built environment around it changes from barren tarmac to parks, buildings, and an ever improving Seawall.

Taking a step back, it's really very heartening to me to see that both Science World and Canada Place have received major improvements, renewals, and upgrades since their construction for Expo. They are two of our city's most important and iconic structures and it would have been an immense shame to have seen them wither away and die like the Plaza of Nations and Enterprise Hall.

[SpongeG]

yeah really the only reminders of expo too - unless you count the old expo benches found in various parks in the suburbs, theres not too much left physically of expo

[Sprawl]

yeah really the only reminders of expo too - unless you count the old expo benches found in various parks in the suburbs, theres not too much left physically of expo

Don't forget the McBarge, slowly rotting away in the Burrard Inlet :no:. I'd love to see that restored and moored in False Creek.

It will be interesting to see what they've done with the interior of Science World, I haven't been since 2009, but I recall it looking quite shabby.

[agrant]

I know of at least one Expo pavilion that was moved into an industrial location in New Westminster. You can see it as you drive along Stewardson Way. Not something you'd want to keep around on the old Expo site... I'm sure several others are scattered around and used in a similar manner. Science World, Canada Place, BC Place were the only iconic buildings worth sticking around.

[hollywoodnorth]

I know of at least one Expo pavilion that was moved into an industrial location in New Westminster. You can see it as you drive along Stewardson Way. Not something you'd want to keep around on the old Expo site... I'm sure several others are scattered around and used in a similar manner. Science World, Canada Place, BC Place were the only iconic buildings worth sticking around.

I made a post about this a while back and located all of them in the Metro Vancouver area :)

North Surrey, Delta, New West and a few other cities have them still :)