Museum of Science Hayden Planetarium Renovation
Museum of Science Hayden Planetarium Renovation
Boston, MA
Opened in February of 2011, LDa was a member of the project team for the renovation of the most technologically advanced digital theater in New England, the Charles Hayden Planetarium in the Museum of Science Boston. The planetarium houses one of only two Zeiss Starmaster’s in the United States, and is equipped with new state-of-the-art audio and digital projection equipment.
The project included a complete gut renovation of the existing planetarium space, control room, and offices, as well as aesthetic upgrades to the adjacent lobby space. The existing seats, projector, and dome were completely removed and envelope repairs were made to the outer dome. New catwalks, and mechanical systems were added under the new inner projection dome. New, comfortable seating for 209 people was installed along with state of the art full-dome video and audio systems. A key aspect of the renovation was the addition of exterior sound insulation to mitigate outdoor-sourced sound pollution (including from helicopters landing next door at Mass General Hospital) and the reduction of HVAC system generated sound within the planetarium space.
LDa was selected by the Museum of Science as the Construction Administration/Project Delivery Architect for the renovation. LDa’s responsibility included contractor selection, project code coordination with Boston ISD and Boston Fire and the construction administration phase.
Team
Architect: LDa Architecture & Interiors
Executive Architect: RSP Architects
Builder: Suffolk Construction
Photograpy: Michael Malyszko
