One of the greatest challenges the firm faced in this design was that once they had decided to display the shuttle as if it were in flight, how were guests going to be able to still see the shuttle from every angle possible? This challenge was met through various ideal observation decks, immersive media experiences, and its iconic 43.21º tilt with its payload bay doors open and extended Canadarm. Once inside the new attraction, the entire layout, guest flow, how Atlantis is displayed, and the more than 60 interactive exhibits were imagined and designed by PGAV Destinations. Both were intentionally designed and implemented to build anticipation in visitors as they approach the attraction and bring the branding and excitement of Space Shuttle Atlantis outside its own doors. The icon is guarded by a full-scale replica of the legendary external tank and two solid rocket boosters, which could accelerate the entire shuttle stack to 3,000 m.p.h. Iconic in and of itself, the building represents the power of re-entry through iridescent wings on a background representing the tile pattern on the underside of the orbiter. The first aspect of the storytelling is the exterior of the 90,000 square-foot building, highlighting PGAV’s architectural expertise. That outline led PGAV to create an ideal storytelling experience that translates all of those accomplishments, personal histories, and wonder into something to engage and immerse millions of visitors for decades to come. Much of creating the experiential concept of the attraction began with PGAV asking the question, “what would be the best way to experience Atlantis,” and what sort of attraction would be fitting of the world’s greatest spaceport? The following months included countless interviews with Delaware North and NASA staff, from simulation engineers to astronauts, to uncover a diverse collection of the greatest, most iconic, and rarely told stories of the 30-year shuttle program. “They were confident that our creativity could translate their ideas into something truly compelling.” For this next project, the result of which is the brand new Space Shuttle Atlantis attraction, PGAV Destinations served as the architects, exhibit designers, graphic designers, interior designers, and media storytelling lead. “They engaged us based upon our strong relationship with them and many of our people’s passion for NASA’s space program,” said Mike Konzen, PGAV principal and chairman. The entry plaza executes on this theme via a beautiful new fountain show, NASA-globe icon, retail space, dining, and reworked ticketing and guest flow that gives visitors a glimpse of the awe-inspiring Rocket Garden before they’ve even set foot inside the complex. Stemming from the central idea of what the entry plaza should convey – the excitement to be held within – the new, bold “Explore” marquee places visitors in the central mindset and mood for the spirit of NASA. In this phase, PGAV served as the architects, environmental designers, and graphic designers. The first project of the Master Plan opened in December 2012 with the new $16m entry plaza. This strategic outline also contained a robust, 10-year forecast and analysis of attendance growth and what steps Delaware North would need to take to meet those projections. Out of that partnership, PGAV developed a 10-year master plan which outlined and advised specific steps for Delaware North regarding guest experience, food, retail, new attractions, and new NASA stories to tell. In 2010, the company hired PGAV Destinations to develop ideas to take the Visitor Complex to the next level. Now just 17 months after the groundbreaking of the revolutionary attraction, the following chronicles PGAV’s journey in helping create Space Shuttle Atlantis.ĭelaware North Companies Parks & Resorts has operated KSCVC on behalf of NASA for 18 years. PGAV served as the principle storytelling and design firm for the attraction architecture, interiors, exhibits, and media. The PGAV Destinations design brings guests within inches of the historic spacecraft and takes them on a journey to space and back again via emotionally engaging immersion experiences. The new attraction tells the epic 30-year story of the Space Shuttle Program and stars Atlantis, one of only three remaining space-flown orbiters, and the last to fly in space. Louis, MO – July 2, 2013) – PGAV Destinations is proud to announce that its latest destination design, Space Shuttle Atlantis at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex (KSCVC), is now open to the public on Florida’s Space Coast, less than an hour east of Orlando. World’s Most Comprehensive and Interactive Attraction Devoted to the Space Shuttle
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