New England Aquarium Builds Expansion Project Online at Bricsnet.com

The New England Aquarium is using Bricsnet.com's integrated Internet services to build its new theater and landmark east wing. The expansion is the centerpiece of the Aquarium's larger mission to redefine and strengthen society's relationship with the world of water.

Boston Mayor Thomas Menino commented, "Driven by the Internet, the New England Aquarium expansion demonstrates that Boston is uniquely positioned to capitalize on the promise of the New Economy. This project showcases skilled workers using high-tech tools to build a world-class cultural and educational facility for the enrichment and enjoyment of all our citizens and the millions of visitors who come to Boston."

The new theater will be used to screen large-format 3D films and house conferences and forums on aquatic issues. The east wing will hold major, new permanent exhibits that focus on New England animals and ecosystems.

The Aquarium expansion uses two Bricsnet.com solutions: ProjectCenter, a leading project management system, and Bricsnet Architecturals, an advanced 3D parametric modeling application. Construction of the expansion is a joint venture between George B. H. Macomber Co. and Jay Cashman Inc., Marine and Civil Contracting.

ProjectCenter enables geographically dispersed team members to share information, documents, drawings and strategies online, reducing the likelihood of errors, miscommunication, or missed deadlines. ProjectCenter users often estimate saving 25-30% on overhead and administrative costs.

Bricsnet Architecturals frees architects from the constraints of traditional 2D drafting, allowing them to create complex designs such as the Aquarium's new theater—a structure that will have no right angles. Working in Bricsnet Architecturals, designers create an intelligent 3D model, from which accurate quantities, specifications, and engineering drawings are generated automatically.

At Bricsnet.com, Architecturals and other design applications are integrated with ProjectCenter, ensuring all team members are working with up-to-date data and documents, and creating a robust digital data stream that is maintained and referenced throughout the lifecycle of the building.

What's new at the New England Aquarium
The Matthew and Marcia Simons Theater, due to open in the fall of 2001, will be an important site for programs, films, lectures and aquatic presentations for a variety of audiences. The centerpiece of the 400-seat theater is a four-story, 84-ft. wide x 64-ft. high screen. It is a flat screen that can accommodate the latest in large-format, 3D IMAX films. Films will showcase animals and habitats that could not be otherwise exhibited.

The East Wing, set to break ground in early 2002, highlights habitats of New England. The exhibits blend live animals and interactive technology to connect visitors to the natural world effectively and vividly. Exhibits include:

• The Gulf Stream—Visitors follow the Gulf Stream in a clever, water-filled wall that theatrically illustrates the importance of the phenomenon. Graphic panels will describe animal migration patterns and the Gulf Stream's impact on our weather as it travels from the Caribbean to the North Atlantic.
• Gulf of Maine—A large 20-ft. x 30-ft. window will offer an awesome view into the 550,000-gallon open ocean tank filled with pelagic fish like tuna and sharks.
• Coastal Habitats—Ocean and land interface at the coast in salt marshes, estuaries and tidepools, all represented by live animal exhibits. In a spectacularly bright area open to daylight with a window on Boston Harbor, we'll feature puffins, shorebirds and harbor seals. In a virtual coastal weather space you might encounter rain, fog, wind, sun or snow.

Visit the New England Aquarium online at http://www.neaq.com/.

Edited by Bob Arguero