American Museum of Natural History, Hall of Ocean Life

Safety, access and a big blue whale were the major concerns for the team on this $21.5 million project.

Creativity was the key to the team's success in the renovation of the American Museum of Natural History's Hall of Ocean Life. According to the jury, innovative solutions to logistical challenges, such as the complex and unique scaffolding system, helped bring the job of renovating the hall's18,000-sq.-ft. ceiling in on time.

The project team's job was to replace the existing perforated metal ceiling with new glass panels and install a new lighting system of 400 blue and white fluorescent light fixtures and 40 projector fixtures with motorized gobo attachments to give the effect of a body of water.

Other work included abatement of the existing ductwork insulation; removal of existing and replacement of the catwalk system; installation of a ventilation system to handle the heat load added by the new light fixtures; and installation of a fire detection sniffer system to cover the attic and gallery.

The team needed safe access to the ceiling, which is 50 ft. above ground and reachable only through an attic. The team also had to consider the safety of the material below the ceiling, which includes an exhibit of the famous 94-ft. blue whale that is supported from the ceiling and blocks off a chunk of the work space.

After disregarding options that included working from within the attic space and using tie-off wires to access the ceiling or hanging the scaffolding from an existing roof truss system, the team decided on a full-size scaffolding platform that sat on the floor and extended to within 5 ft. of the underside of the ceiling. The system included a tiered work platform at the perimeter, several sets of stairs for access and safety purposes and a minihoist that allowed material to be delivered and debris to be removed.

For additional safety, cabling was installed in the attic for a tie-off for the workers.

One other hurdle: The scaffolding was constructed to span over an area designated to receive a new dance floor, which was to be completed as the attic was completed. Therefore, the central exhibit of the whale had to be wrapped in plastic and scaffolding from above and below in addition to supporting the work platforms that stood above it.

Ultimately, fully scaffolding the space allowed for the most efficient and safest work environment and helped bring the blue whale to its new home, suspended beneath an ocean-like ceiling.