You wanted to know the status of the proposed Connecticut Science Center at Adriaen’s Landing.

DESIGN SELECTION PHASE

The nonprofit Connecticut Center for Science and Exploration (CCSE) is currently evaluating four designs for the proposed $ 150 million center, which it unveiled to the public on September 20, 2004. CCSE is the nonprofit organization responsible for developing and operating the center. Its’ directors expect to choose the winning design by September 24, 2004.

Each design was proposed by a different architectural firm, which CCSE’s selection committee chose in a two-step international competitive process. The committee identified 43 firms, interviewed eight semi-finalists, and chose four to submit architectural plans, for which CCSE paid $ 50,000 each. The finalists are: Benisch, Benisch, and Partner (Stuttgart); Cesar Pelli and Associations (New Haven); Moshe Safdie and Associates (Boston); and Zaha Hadid Architects (London).

CCSE could adopt one design in its entirety or create a new one that mixes and matches the elements of several designs. But some experts warn that doing so could result in a “cut-and-paste Frankenstein of a building” (Hartford Courant, September 19, 2004).

CCSE expects construction to start by September 2005 and the center to open by late 2007. Its current business plan projects that it will cost about $ 10 million a year to operate the center and that it will employ between 90 and 100 people.

BACKGROUND

The idea for a science center came from LORD Planning and Management, a Toronto-based consultant the state hired when it was developing the Adriaen’s Landing plan. The state was considering several options, including an aquarium and a wax museum, but LORD recommend a facility to showcase the state’s scientific heritage.

CCSE’s board of trustees prepared a concept plan for the center, which the architects used to prepare their designs. The concept plan calls for 11 exhibit pavilions, including a Connecticut River Watershed encounter, a crime and forensic laboratory, a simulated spacewalk over Connecticut, a 275-seat IMAX-style theater, and an exhibit geared for very young children (Hartford Business Journal, July 26, 2004).

JR: ts