Scaffolding the Philadelphia Museum of Art
A 117 foot tall stair tower inside an elevator shaft. Wow! Here’s a cool view before the the decks went in.
Now that’s a seriously tall stair tower. (And inside an elevator shaft no less.)
So that begs the question – Why?
Image from Reddit
Okay – so let’s shed a little light on this subterranean scaffold soiree. You see, the Philadelphia Museum of Art is commencing on a renewal and expansion of epic proportions. And it’s designed by world renowned architect Frank Gehry (famous for the expressive sculptural forms of buildings such as the Guggenheim Museum in Spain).
This new expansion is going to utilize space that has never been used before – mainly the lower, levels and two top floor areas. Guests will be able to enter from the north (Kelly Drive) and the south (Schuylkill River) sides of the building to get to these new spaces. In total the renovation is estimated to cost about $350 million.
Surprisingly enough, there just happened to be an elevator shaft that was designed into the original building but was never used. So as part of their master plan, designers and contractors wanted to seal off the top two floors of the elevator shaft for new cement up there. (to expand exhibit space)
This project is two fold, really. First, to get crews up to the top (or bottom of the new floors) to build the steel forms for the new concrete (pocketing steel beams into the shaft walls) that support the floor slabs of concrete that will be poured from above. And two, to get crews, subcontractors, contractors, and workers inside the shaft to lay in all of the mechanicals, conduit, electrical, HVAC, and new elevator rails to make this fully functional.
Superior Scaffold came in and assembled this giant 117’ stair tower inside the elevator shaft using system scaffold.
These shots are from beneath the Museum of Art and showed just how crews had to enter and move the equipment to the job site.
But the cool thing is that all of this is part of the new construction design and will be utilized for art space and events. Just take a look at some of the renderings they have created to show what the final concept will look like.
Illustration courtesy of PMA and Gerhy Partners
This vaulted underground walkway, long closed to the public will become a space for art and events, with entrances at the north (Kelly Drive) and south (Schuylkill River) sides of the building.
This awesome renovation will be a massive and beautiful once it’s all complete. A total of 80,000 square feet of new public space—a 60 percent increase—is anticipated. We are excited to have been a part of this new expansion and renewal. Even Rocky Balboa would be proud to run up these steps to gain entrance.
For more information check out the links below.
http://www.philamuseum.org/exhibitions/809.html
http://www.philamuseum.org/information/294-508-397.html
Call Superior Scaffold today for all of your scaffold, scaffold needs and solutions (215) 743-2200 or visit our website at www.superiorscaffold.com
Architects:
- Gluckman Mayner & Kelly/Maiello
- Atkin Olshin Schade & Vitetta
- Gehry Partners
General Contractor, GC: LF Driscoll www.lfdriscoll.com
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