Big Show Construction Management (BSCM), a company that specializes in managing the construction and development of themed and interactive spaces, announced the recent completion of a major renovation to the Sony Wonder Technology Lab ("SWTL" or the "Lab"), an interactive technology and entertainment museum in midtown Manhattan.
BSCM co-managed the construction and installation of 14 new interactive exhibits for the Lab that enable visitors to explore topics ranging from robotics and nanotechnology to animation and HDTV production. BSCM gutted and rebuilt approximately 6,200 square feet of space over a year-long construction period that involved upgrading systems for HVAC, lighting control, electrical, fire safety and security. BSCM also coordinated the output of the design firms handling the architecture/exhibit design, media development, lighting and acoustics, and managed various sub-contractors and vendors involved in the project while budgeting and tracking the multi-million dollar renovation.
"We were involved in the successful renovation of the second floor of the Sony Wonder Technology Lab in 2003, and were delighted to return to upgrade the third and fourth floors in a joint venture with Lee H. Skolnick Architecture + Design Partnership," said Rod Hickey, President of BSCM.
Because Sony Corporation of America opted to pursue LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) certification for the project, BSCM worked closely with a LEED consultant from International Green Building Associates toward that goal. Efforts included preservation of indoor air quality during construction and extensive recycling of materials extracted during demolition. In addition, BCSM worked with the designers and architects to reuse as much of the existing building interior as possible to reduce construction waste, and to use new building materials that contain recycled content and/or were locally produced. With exhibits geared primarily toward 8-14 year-old visitors, special efforts were also undertaken to use durable and maintainable materials and finishes. The renovation significantly reduced the Lab's power consumption, as well.
Three Byte Intermedia, in cooperation with Big Show, designed the control system that keeps SWTL's interactives running properly. The system was constructed to continually monitor the Lab's exhibits and automatically alert technical staff to any issues that may arise. It also communicates with the lighting system to run the Unison and Pharos controllers that cue the architectural lighting and extensive LED system used to visually demonstrate the flow of data throughout the Lab.
Dimensional Communications fabricated the consoles and graphic treatments associated with each of the new exhibit areas. A complete list of SWTL exhibits can be found at http://www.sonywondertechlab.com/vs-exhibits.html.
About Big Show Construction Management
Specializing in managing the creation of themed and interactive spaces, Big Show Construction Management (BSCM) has expertise in the design, integration and installation of multimedia environments. The company coordinates the desires of clients and architects with the practical concerns of the general contractor. BSCM's clients include Audi; Wynn Resorts, Las Vegas; Madame Tussaud's, New York City; Sony Wonder Technology Lab, New York City; Standard Hotel, New York City; and Toys 'R Us, New York City. For more information on BSCM visit www.bigshowcm.com.