American Museum of Natural History

American Museum of Natural History

This was a “Design/Build” project with a variety of complex challenges that needed to be addressed before any fabrication could begin. The design concept visualized by the Architect was a series of 184 combination light box and fountain structures. Each structure would represent one of the victims who lost their lives at the Pentagon and on Flight 93 in Shanksville, PA on September 11, 2001.

Each structure had to be waterproof and also house the electronics for the illumination function as well as the concealed fountain operating mechanism. The structures had to be easily serviceable with a minimal amount of maintenance required. A budget figure was set and the work began.

Using 3D modeling Maloya was able to create viable design/build options for the Architect to study and add any pertinent input as needed. The initial plans were approved and Maloya proceeded to the next step. Maloya then embarked on a thorough research and testing procedure to insure that the structures when fabricated would meet all of the technical challenges and fulfill the Architects vision. Since the Memorial has been open to the public, thousands have visited the site to honor the memory of those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.