Minutes

Attendance: Thomas D. Farrell and Joan Mc Donald , Co-Chairs; Mustafa Abadan, Russell Albanese, Paul Anderson, Richard T. Anderson; Clifford Burns, Robert Chapman, Cathleen Colella, Dennis Delisle, Dan Delosa, Bruce Fowle, David Hesse, Daniel Kaplan, Dr. Emylyn Kooster, Wayne LaBar, Jay McGraw, Patrick Muldoon, Patrick Natale, Gerard Neumann, David Reese, Andy Sosa, Thomas Seery, Richard Tomasetti, Alan Traugott

Daniel J. Kaplan, AIA, welcomed the Environment Committee and guests to Fox & Fowle Architects. He said the firm is pleased to be working with Liberty Science Center.

Co-chairman Tom Farrell introduced Liberty Science Center President, Dr. Emylyn Kooster, who delivered a PowerPoint presentation, “Liberty Science Center: Past, Present, Future.” Dr. Kooster said science centers across the country have developed new programs in response to advances in science and technology. These have created an extraordinarily-diverse range of science centers.

Liberty Science Center was initiated in 1980 and located in Liberty State Park. Initial efforts, said Dr. Kooster, were funded through a $68 million campaign. The Center was designed to be an “innovative learning resource” with many themed exhibits, the nation’s largest IMAX dome theater, national traveling exhibits, discovery rooms, and many other activities.

Dr. Kooster said that Liberty Science Center already is New Jersey’s most visited museum. The current expansion program began in 1988 and is designed to address a number of needs, including improved access, added facilities, and new spaces for learning. The project is a true public-private partnership with a $104 million budget. The State funding is already in place and private matching funding is being requested. Dr, Kooster said the Phase I design is completed and the overall project has a 2007 target date.

Wayne LaBar discussed the Skyscraper! component. He said the objective is to redo the existing uncompleted tower at Liberty Science Center and to have each floor with a theme. The first floor will be “Skyscraper World – Skyline of Greats” with a range of exhibits dedicated to tall buildings across the world. The second floor will be called “Building to Building” and cover everything from foundations to the superstructure. The third floor will be “Form and Function” covering site planning, architecture, engineering and related subjects. The fourth floor will be “Habitat,” covering the structural environment. The fifth floor is called “Impact” and will be devoted to weather, energy and similar topics.

The top of the building will have a crane high above the tower with a 360° rotation and cab for visitors. He said the project is being guided by a steering group of prominent industry leaders and will involve “those who design, engineer, supply, build, manage, finance and own the skyscraper community.”

In discussion, the committee inquired about funding outstanding ($15 million), naming opportunities (yes), need for union involvement (yes), and ways to publicize the project. Mr. LaBar offered literature to those in attendance and said the project will be announced officially later in the year.

Tom Farrell thanked Dr. Kooster and Mr. LaBar for their informative presentation and Fox & Fowle for hosting the meeting. With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:45 a.m.

Prepared by
Richard T. Anderson
President