Arup provides multi-disciplinary engineering services for the Samuel Oschin Space Shuttle Endeavour Display Pavilion at the California Science Center

LOS ANGELES – Arup, a multidisciplinary engineering and consulting firm with a reputation for delivering innovative and sustainable designs, announced the completion of its work on the Samuel Oschin Space Shuttle Endeavour Display Pavilion at the California Science Center in Exposition Park. The Pavilion opened to the public on October 30 and will serve as the temporary home of Endeavour. Arup’s engineers, designers and technical specialists have provided basic support services for the Pavilion since August 2011 pro bono, including structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing and civil engineering as well as fire/life safety, lighting, security and mechanical acoustic consulting. The firm is currently working on Endeavour’s permanent home, the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center, an expansion envisioned as part of the Science Center’s 25-year master plan.

Living up to its reputation for innovative solutions to complex technical challenges, Arup’s design utilized a base isolation concept for the support of Endeavour in order to protect the Orbiter from the risks of a major earthquake. The four friction-pendulum seismic isolators will break the connection between Endeavour and the ground, dissipating the energy released in the event of an earthquake. The seismic isolators, donated by Earthquake Protection Systems Inc., enable Endeavour to glide gently back and forth on low-friction sliders, thus protecting the shuttle support structure and the shuttle itself from the direct impact of an earthquake. To further protect Endeavour Arup specified quick response smoke-detection video cameras capable of monitoring the space directly under the shuttle.

"We are truly grateful for the thousands of hours of pro bono support that has been provided by Arup’s engineers, designers, and technical specialists," said Jeffrey N. Rudolph, president and CEO of the California Science Center. "Their advice and expertise has resulted in significant cost savings to the California Science Foundation. The enthusiasm and support from industry leaders like Arup, who are committed to helping bring this national treasure to Los Angeles has been extraordinary. It has been a pleasure working with the Arup team on this once-in-a-lifetime project."

Arup collaborated with Zimmer Gunsul Frasca (ZGF) Architects, the Boeing Company, the Sarens Group, Morley Builders and T. Viole Construction. Arup also collaborated closely with California Science Center staff to develop designs that utilized in-kind donations from equipment manufacturers and the existing building’s available system capacity in order to keep costs as low as possible. To maintain the visitor experience, Arup designed high-powered theatrical lighting to highlight the features of the shuttle while maintaining clear views for photography.

Arup is proud to support the California Science Center in its historic mission of bringing Endeavour back to California. To see the seismic simulation for Endeavour, please go to: https://arup.com/Home/News/2012_10_October/29_Oct_Endeavour_Display_Pavilion_opens.aspx.