2012 Issue

51 Ralph Appelbaum Architects, the nationally renowned design firm out of New York, was hired to do the exhibit design. Due to the building’s intended use, much attention was given to make the result as close to perfection as possible. “This project is an enormous undertaking.” says DonWeinreich of Polshek Partnership. “It requires an exceptional level of com- munication and cooperation not only within the design team, which includes engineers in Utah (Dunn) and New York (LERA) col- laborating with Polshek and GSBS on the structural solution, but also between the Architecural Engineering teamand the con- struction team. We’ve been able to learn from each other and the results are excel- lent. Needless to say, none of this would happen without a visionary client cheering us on to produce a truly unique building.” With a design following such a high stan- dard of care, it follows intuition that the construction process has not been with- out its challenges. Youra Zivait, Principal at Dunn Associates and the Engineer of The Utah Museum of Natural History This awe-inspiring structure was designed by the team of Polshek Partnership Architects out of New York and GSBS Architects here in Salt Lake. Rendering Courtesy of Polshek Partnership Record, recounts his experience working on this project by saying, “This has been the most challenging project of my career. Projects with this level of detail require a high level of collaboration. The contractor (Big-D) has paidmuch attention to facilitate this communication among teammembers. In order to provide this, they hired an in- dependent partnering consultant to help along the way.” Though this project was definitely challeng- ing, it was a rewarding experience. We feel very fortunate to have worked with such a capable team on what will be an iconic structure here in Utah. The designers out of New York created the vision that this building will be a destination location for people all around the West. There will be nothing else quite like it. “This new Utah Museum of Natural His- tory site is at the threshold of nature and culture, and its design reflects the unique MUSEUM | continued on page 52