Building Renovations: Phase 2
Friday, February 26, 2010
Blog entry by Ambrea Kuhn, The Leonardo's Intern
The building renovations, which began in early October, are progressing quickly. The construction crew has gutted the building, removed outdated light fixtures, pulled the carpeting, and nixed all asbestos. The second (and longest) phase of the renovations, seismic upgrades, started in October and is really cruising now. Phase two consists of installing reinforcement bracing throughout the building and enclosing one of the old staircases to place a strengthening beam.
Staircase removal, as seen from the main floor
Staircase removal as seen from the first basement
Remnants of the last stairway excavation.
Builders started out marking the floors of each level where the buckling restrained brace, BRBs or cross beams, will be installed. These beams are part of the seismic upgrades that strengthen the building in the event of an earthquake. The beams are installed from the floor of the sub-basement to the top of the roof, with one set of beams on each of the four building sides. Most of the beams will be visible inside the building after construction is finished.
Spray paint marks the area for the cross beams. The round hole goes from the ceiling to the basement.
After the cross beams are installed, we will move onto general renovations with light fixtures, putting the ceiling back in place and -- of course -- installing exhibits for our opening!
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Become a fan of The Leonardo on Facebook or follow us on Twitter!
Labels: Leo, renovation, sustainability
Looking for Artists
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Where, oh where, are the artists out there? The world needs great art. Our friends over at Zer01 in San Jose, Calif., are looking for a variety of 5-minute shorts that were shot using a cell phone or other mobile devices. The theme for their biennial this fall, "Build Your Own World," focuses on innovation that can change the world. The selected shorts will receive a cash prize and will be screened at the 2010 01SJ Biennial. Enter your video here by May 15.
The Utah Transit Authority also has a call for artists to work on the airport TRAX extension in Salt Lake City. The works will be displayed at each stop along the route, which will run along North Temple. The art will be one of the first impressions visitors get of Utah, so the stakes are high! Applications for this project are due March 8, 2010.
Finally, The Leo just closed its submission period for the art installation in the main lobby of the building — three finalists will be announced by the end of March, with a winner selected by mid-June. This piece will illustrate The Leonardo's blend of science, art and technology. I can't wait to see the chosen piece inside the building when we open April 15, 2011, and I'm sure we will give all of you blog readers a sneak peak before then!
Become a fan of The Leonardo on Facebook or follow us on Twitter!
The Utah Transit Authority also has a call for artists to work on the airport TRAX extension in Salt Lake City. The works will be displayed at each stop along the route, which will run along North Temple. The art will be one of the first impressions visitors get of Utah, so the stakes are high! Applications for this project are due March 8, 2010.
Finally, The Leo just closed its submission period for the art installation in the main lobby of the building — three finalists will be announced by the end of March, with a winner selected by mid-June. This piece will illustrate The Leonardo's blend of science, art and technology. I can't wait to see the chosen piece inside the building when we open April 15, 2011, and I'm sure we will give all of you blog readers a sneak peak before then!
Become a fan of The Leonardo on Facebook or follow us on Twitter!
Labels: art, Leo, renovation, round up
Building Renovations: Phase 1
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Blog entry by Ambrea Kuhn, The Leonardo's Fall 2009 Intern
The Leonardo building renovations are well underway! Last week I was able to check out the progress that has already been made. The renovations started in October with asbestos removal.
Worker exiting sectioned off area.
Loading the huge truck with bags of asbestos.
Our favorite part of the renovations is the bright orange carpet is gone!
Here's a short video detailing what will be upgraded .
After the asbestos removal is finished seismic upgrades will begin. Next, they'll upgrade some of the building's systems and other general improvements. After that, The Leonardo will move in to install our exhibits. All of that will wrap up just in time for opening day-- April, 15 2011, which also happens to be Leonardo da Vinci's 557th birthday.
Labels: Leo, renovation, sustainability, video
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