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California Science Center Breaks Ground on the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center

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Kathryn Hohs Kathryn Hohs Americas Press Office,Los Angeles
1 June 2022

The California Science Center officially broke ground on the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center, a 200,000-square-foot addition to the Science Center that will contain 150 educational exhibits spanning three multi-level galleries. As part of the design team led by ZGF Architects, Arup is providing a suite of services including structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing, in addition to civil engineering, fire and life safety, acoustics, and audio-visual consulting.

The Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center is the final phase of the California Science Center’s three-phase, three-decade master plan to develop one of the world’s leading science learning centers located in Los Angeles’s Exposition Park. Arup initially began work on the planned expansion in 2012 with the construction of the temporary Samuel Oschin Space Shuttle Endeavor Display Pavilion. The Center will become the permanent home of Space Shuttle Endeavour, one of only three remaining flown space shuttle orbiters and the only one located on the West Coast. The groundbreaking celebration was attended by community leaders, former astronauts, donors, students from the Science Center School and the design and construction teams.

Courtesy of ZGF
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I am honored that our team is able to contribute to this exciting expansion with engineering solutions that will ensure future generations have the opportunity to be inspired by the wonders of space flight. ” Atila Zekioglu Atila Zekioglu Global Seismic Design Leader

With building construction now underway, it is estimated that the Center will be completed in three years. Approximately a year and a half into construction, Space Shuttle Endeavour will be moved off display and positioned in the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center, which will then be completed around the full shuttle stack.

“We are thrilled to celebrate this significant milestone with our project team partners and the California Science Center, and we look forward to welcoming the Endeavor to its permanent, new home in the coming years,” added Zekioglu.

The Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center will nearly double the California Science Center’s educational exhibit areas with an impressive artifact collection, integrated with hands-on exhibits to encourage guests of all ages to investigate scientific and engineering principles of atmospheric flight and the exploration of the universe. Endeavour will be presented in an awe-inspiring ‘ready-to-launch’ vertical configuration, complete with solid rocket boosters and an external tank, in what will be the world’s only display of an authentic space shuttle system.

Courtesy of ZGF
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The California Science Center is thrilled to celebrate this milestone today. The Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center will be a launchpad for creativity and innovation to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers and explorers. ” Jeffrey Rudolph President and CEO, California Science Center

Towering 200 feet high, the Air and Space Center will house an impressive collection of aircraft and spacecraft, carefully selected to present a dynamic and fun learning experience while illustrating key concepts for each of its three multi-level galleries– Air, Space and Shuttle – that span four floors and 100,000-square-feet of exhibit space.

The California Science Center is a dynamic destination where families, adults and children can explore the wonders of science through hands-on exhibits, live demonstrations, innovative programs, and large-format movies. Arup’s innovative engineering solutions for the Center will ensure that its mission to stimulate curiosity and inspire science learning in everyone will continue for generations to come.

 
Courtesy of ZGF