Georgia Aquarium Dolphin Expansion

Atlanta, GA
  • 100,000 sq ft
  • $110 million
  • 4 stories
  • Completed in 2011

Structural Features

  • To provide the column-free interior required for the 1800-seat performance theater, a long-span “Warren” roof truss configuration was selected by the design team.  This also maximized space for the extensive catwalk system to pass through the webs of the trusses.
  • A portion of the new structure is suspended over existing facility with deep cantilever truss.  This allowed the existing operations to remain fully operational during construction.
  • Tight site access and new construction abutting the existing facility required systematic analysis, coordination, and creative design solutions from all team members. A unique back-to-front construction sequence was utilized.

Awards

Honor Award, 2012
American Council of Engineering Companies of Georgia (ACEC)

1st Place Award, Special Category, 2010
American Concrete Institute (ACI), Georgia Chapter

Merit Award, New Buildings Over $25 Million Category, 2014
Structural Engineers Association of Georgia (SEAOG)

10 Best Awards of Recognizing Excellence, Best- Cultural
McGraw Hill Construction