John S. Dyson New York Energy Zone

The Energy Zone is a state-of-the-art science museum designed for the New York Power Authority (NYPA) with the goal to introduce the public to electrical power generation and the role New York plays. The 19,000 sq. ft., two-story facility houses a number of interactive exhibits strategically placed to send visitors through the history and future of electricity. The facility is named after John S. Dyson, a former head of NYPA with a legacy of clean energy and energy efficiency. He is one of the first government officials to address energy conservation, promote reduced electrical waste, and pursue clean, reliable energy sources.

The Energy Zone is full of highly interactive exhibits designed to deliver a free educational experience for young and old. Each visitor receives a personalized ‘Power Pass’ where they begin their journey through the story of electricity. Visitor experiences include traveling back in time with Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison, drone flight simulation, Clark Energy Control Center operator experience, solar and wind installations, and more. Before experiencing exhibits, visitors are directed into a realistic 3D theater utilizing MAGI film generation where viewers are enlightened about Nikola Tesla and his lasting contributions that shaped our world today.

The Energy Zone’s architecture combines modern and rustic building elements to provide a complimentary setting for the natural surrounding environment and adjacent Roscoe Conklin Park. Visitors are drawn to the entrance by a tall aluminum storefront system showcasing a bright and vibrant lobby. Guests are greeted with illuminated signage and an expansive heavy timber canopy system. The building is clad with a natural stone veneer, fiber-cement siding, and covered with a low sloping standing seam roofing system.

The first floor houses the 3D theater and exhibit spaces while the basement level contains a STEM-focused Innovation Center, conference rooms, offices, and mechanical space. The entire steel structure is supported by caissons designed to accommodate challenging subsurface weathered shale conditions. Relief of a steep 45’ sloped site was mitigated by a 4-tier stone look gravity wall retaining system.

Reduced energy consumption is provided by a geothermal heating system installed below the adjacent parking lot and next to an underground stormwater detention chamber system. Sustainable site design practices also include six electric car charging stations, four bioswales, and a landscape full of native plantings. Eight species of native trees and shrubs were planted along with zero-maintenance meadow grass habitat seed mix.

NYPA partnered with the Utica Zoo and strategically located the Energy Zone at the Zoo campus for an enhanced visitor experience. A second Zoo ticket booth was incorporated into the program and allows members direct access to the Zoo’s Backyards & Barnyards area. Minimal animal disturbances during construction was a crucial factor for project completion.

NYPA’s visitor centers become localized central hubs and international attractions. The Energy Zone continues this in form and operation. Placing the structure in direct relationship to the Zoo, the Energy Zone immediately becomes a prominent facility in the public’s eye, improving the Zoo’s overall aesthetic and diversifies each visitor’s experience.