P2S Inc.: Aquarium of the Pacific, Pacific Visions Expansion
Automation, controls; electrical, power; energy, sustainability; HVAC, mechanical; lighting; plumbing, piping; aquarium; and building addition
Engineering firm: P2S Inc.
2018 MEP Giants rank: 47
Project: Aquarium of the Pacific, Pacific Visions Expansion
Location: Long Beach, CA, United States
Building type: Sports/entertainment/convention center facility
Project type: Addition to existing building
Engineering services: Automation, controls; electrical, power; energy, sustainability; HVAC, mechanical; lighting; and plumbing, piping
Project timeline: May 2013 to June 2017
MEP/FP budget: $363,000
Challenges
The $53 million Pacific Visions expansion is a 29,000-sq-ft, 2-story structure that will feature a state-of-the-art theater. The structure is designed to resemble the shape of a blue whale and has 800 iridescent blue glass panels that take on different hues as the sun and clouds travel through the sky each day. The exhibition consists of a dynamic, 300-person capacity, 4-D theater experience with a high-definition projection system and 130-ft-long curved digital wall projection. The expansion also has 6,000 sq ft of new space for other exhibitions, space for new animal habitats, an art gallery, and 1,700 sq ft of additional retail space.
Solutions
As the MEPT and Security design partner, the P2S team was tasked with designing the mechanical, electrical, plumbing, telecom, and security of the aquarium expansion. P2S worked with the project’s architect, EHDD, to implement sustainable energy saving solutions that would keep building energy usage below base levels. The aquarium’s ownership is deeply attuned to issues of conservation, sustainability and the environment and so they requested that the expansion be designed in an energy efficient manner consistent with their values. This project will seek a Green Globes rating, which is an alternative to LEED certification. P2S also assisted in preparing documentation for the Southern California Edison Savings by Design program, an incentives initiative for efficiently designed buildings.
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