FAIRBANKS MUSEUM & PLANETARIUM

In late 2019, the Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium invited three architectural firms to submit conceptual designs for a new science annex for the historic Lambert Packard building. The museum selected VIA to expand on its proposed conceptual design for the addition, the parameters for which have evolved as the project develops. The addition will house an interactive children’s science exhibit, improve accessibility throughout the building, and provide classroom space for Community College of Vermont (pending). The plan is to construct the addition using mass timber, an emerging renewable building material, and will be featured as an educational exhibit upon completion. The project will also be used for workforce development with this technology, which is relatively new in Vermont.  Development of the museum’s whole campus will better integrate indoor and outdoor exhibits and community spaces. VIA is also working with the museum to repair and restore the building’s historic masonry and roof.