“We wanted the building to be futuristic and uplifting and exuberant-that was a big part of the way the building was to be expressed. “The design concept started with the idea of expressive, curving roof forms,” according to Sirianni. “I had to pull out all of the stops on every trick I knew.” “We created a pretty good looking building with some pretty exciting spaces for $300 per square foot,” Sirianni proudly said. He wanted the design and the exhibits to educate and elevate the aspirations of young people and the community.”īudget was definitely an issue for such a challenging assignment. Kirkland wanted the building to look like something no one in that region had seen before. According to Verner Johnson principal Louis Sirianni, “Mr. The Boston firm specializes in planning and designing museums and science centers and has completed more than 200 projects throughout the world. “We knew we could count on them to get the job done and get it done right.”Īrchitectural design for the Discovery Center was provided by Verner Johnson, Inc. “I wouldn’t have tackled a job like this without Petersen,” Jones said. Ralph Jones Sheet Metal is a long-time customer and partner with Petersen Aluminum. The Grand Hall ‘football roof’ required exceptional craftsmanship.” Every one of them is custom.”Īccording to Petersen sales rep Clay Snyder at the Tyler, TX plant, “This is a flagship job for Ralph Jones. There are about 400 panels on the roof and no two are exactly alike. “On the Grand Hall, the deck slopes in three different directions-almost like a football shape. “This was one of the more complex jobs we’ve done in our 35 year history,” according to Gordon Jones, president and project manager. The panels on the Grand Hall were tapered as well as curved. Installation of the Petersen material was done by Ralph Jones Sheet Metal, Inc., Arlington, TN. of PAC-CLAD Flat Stock in Silver Metallic and Bone White was used for soffits, flashings and detailing. 032 Silver Metallic Tite-Loc and Snap-On Standing Seam Panels. ![]() of exhibit space The roofs of both halls feature a dramatically-curved design and are clad with approximately 33,000 sq. The Discovery Center is comprised of two main areas, the Grand Hall and South Hall, and includes 60,000 sq. Signature exhibits include an earthquake simulator, an interactive starship and a giant climb-through human body. The Center, which has been described as “mini-Smithsonian”, houses nine exhibit areas: Energy, Children’s Exploration, Enlightenment, Military, Native Americans, Natural History, Regional History, Science/Space/Technology and Transportation plus a 10th area for traveling exhibits. The centerpiece of the 50 acre park is the 100,000 sq. It was my goal to build a permanent venue to enhance education for children as well as adults and to do it in an entertaining way for all ages.” “My family’s focus on education and hard work provided the foundation for my success. “This area was a wonderful place to grow up,” Kirkland said. Kirkland, a retired businessman and investor, is a native son of Union City. Kirkland Foundation and fulfills a personal vision of Robert Kirkland. The ambitious $100 million dollar project was primarily financed by the Robert E. The recently opened Discovery Park of America is a striking new multi-million dollar education center and tourist attraction in Union City, TN, a small town of approximately 11,000 people located in the rural, western area of the state. OF AMBITIOUS NEW EDUCATION CENTER AND TOURIST ATTRACTION ![]() PETERSEN METAL ROOF PANELS HIGHLIGHT CENTERPIECE STRUCTURE
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