The Museum of Science & History (MOSH) in Jacksonville, Florida has selected DLR Group as the lead architect for the $85m MOSH Genesis project at the Jacksonville Shipyards.
The museum originally planned to renovate and expand its current building under MOSH 2.0. However, MOSH Genesis involves constructing a new, larger facility.
MOSH has operated in its current location since 1969. As operations have outgrown the site, building a new attraction will expand the organisation’s capacity by 168 percent.
DLR Group will work on MOSH Genesis alongside architecture firm kasper architects + associates, as well as landscape architecture firm SCAPE.
DLR Group is lead architect for $85m project
“Together, we know DLR Group, kasper architects + associates, and SCAPE will bring our vision to life,” said Bruce Fafard, president and CEO of MOSH.
The new museum will comprise dedicated areas for exhibitions, classes and events, and will incorporate an improved space for the Bryan-Gooding Planetarium.
“MOSH will have a dramatic impact on the Jacksonville region, telling its unique story of human and natural history and culture, innovation and current science,” said DLR Group senior principal Paul Westlake.
“DLR Group and the design team will capitalize on this opportunity to create a unique, immersive cultural experience that is reflective of the rich history of Jacksonville,” said Vanessa Kassabian, DLR Group senior design leader.
MOSH Genesis will expand capacity by 168%
“In addition to creating an assemblage of technology and history, this project will serve as a social anchor for the local community, a space defined by notions of flexibility and a true integration between the building and its site.”
The $85m project is expected to take three years. Pre-construction site work in Jacksonville could start as early as the first quarter of 2022.
Meanwhile, the Walt Disney Company plans to build a new campus in central Florida, also relocating around 2,000 positions from Southern California.
Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney parks, experiences and products, revealed the news in a letter to employees in July. “Expanding our already significant footprint in Florida makes sense,” D’Amaro said.
Images: MOSH
