The New York Hall of Science provides a hands-on opportunity for the community to experience science and technology. In an ongoing effort to improve their facilities, the Hall of Science, in collaboration with the City of New York Department of Design and Construction, the City of New York Department of Cultural Affairs, undertook the second phase expansion for the master plan for the Hall of Science. The project consists of an addition to the Harrison and Abramovitz structure designed for the 1964 World’s Fair . This 70,000-sf (6,500-sm) addition provides expanded space for permanent and temporary exhibits, as well as exhibition preparation and shop facilities.

The Hall of Science features the ‘Hall of Light’, an exposed steel structure that spans a day-lighted 225 ft x 50 ft (70 m x 15 m) exhibit hall. The structural challenge was to devise a form for the exposed structure, which would complement the architect’s vision, reflect the structure-as-exhibit desire of the Hall of Science, and meet the budget constraints for this public project.