BioNOTICIAS - December 2009

These accomplishments are reflected in the installation work of the eleven steel structures that support the segmented roofs of the Great Atrium, which represent tree branches under a forest canopy.  This complex tridimensional assemblage will support the colorful aluminum covers.

The question remains:  How are these complex works of art constructed? The manufacture process started locally in Pacora by the Nova Group where the steel, imported from the United States, is prepared.

After going through 2,644 sheets of mechanical drawings with the necessary information for manufacturing each and every one of the thousands of pieces that form the structures, the personnel involved start putting together the pieces that will finally be joined in the field. The main elements are manufactured in sizes that can be easily transported to the construction site, where they are pre-assembled at ground level and pre-leveled before raising and placing them in the correct position, with great precision, using bolts.

The roof structures are installed after a thorough study of how and where the multiple connections will be joined, the crane’s position and the specific sequence in which each of the beams should be raised.  These structures vary in weight and dimensions, so some of them can be raised as one whole structure while others must be installed in different steps.

The precision of the installation is accomplished thanks to the training that the assemblers received in a “geometry school” of sorts, organized by NOVA and the US company CWI, where special  instructions were given on how to position each piece in such a complex structure.

Construction manager, Cesar Kiamco, truly considers this a work of art made by Panamanian hands, who after being a part of this important and complicated development, have acquired the skills to work anywhere in the world.  “We have different things to be very proud of: our biodiversity and the people involved in the construction, that have manage to learn and build these structures” says Kiamco.

This sense of pride is shared by the Sub-Secretary of the Amador Foundation who is also a representative of the workers union, Norma Cano. She has stated how glad she is to see “that Panamanian workers are using building technics that have never been used in Panama before, which indicates that this project contributes a learning experience for the population as well”.

A learning experience that is acquired by the new methods implemented in the construction of the Biomuseo, an experience that has allowed local ingenuity to thrive, according to Jaime Jované, president of the Panamanian Construction Chamber.
As the construction of the Biomuseo pushes forward it is witness to Panamanian skill  and tenacity in the form of this supperb work of art that stands as a plataform for all the stunning stories Panama has to share with the world.

During the event, the Secretary of the Treasury, Alberto Vallarino, thanked the former Vice President for his visit, to which Mr. Gore responded by first expressing his deepest condolences on the day of the funeral of former president of Panama, Guillermo Endara. On the BioMuseo he commented: “I am witness to the construction of a truly spectacular museum, the only building by Frank Gehry in Latin America, and one where the riot of colors evokes the wonderful biological diversity here”.

From left to right: Doctor Jane Goodall, Lider Sucre (BioMuseo) andNathan Gray (Earth Train)

Earth Train is a non-profit organization founded in 1990 whose mission is to generate the context for the development of new leaders and tools in the community in order to create cultural and sustainable environmental practices.  Recently this organization has managed to develop a natural reserve in Panama located in the Mamoni Valley, east of the Chagres National Park and southeast of Kuna Yala.  The famous Panamanian jazz player, Danilo Perez, has plans of starting a musical centre in this reserve through his foundation.

Together with Earth Train, the Biomuseo hosted a dinner for Dr. Goodall’s along with the Danilo Perez Foundation. Distinguished guests included the General Kuna Congress and North American writer John Perkins, amongst others. The following day, Dr. Goodall visited the Mamoni Reserve accompanied by her hosts, with whom she shares an interest in creating awareness in our society of the importance to protect the richness of our natural heritage.

Dr. Goodall praised the great effort that Panama is making by developing the Biomuseo in order to educate about our biodiversity as a fundamental part of our identity. Such was her interest in the project that she did not discard the possibility of contributing in its development.

The preliminary efforts to train environmental educators in Panama and the development of the Biomuseo will be projects with a positive impact in the country, since both will teach our society the value of preserving our natural resources for present and future generations.

Do you want to know about this work of art that captures the imagination of all the people that visit Amador?  Starting this month, you will have the opportunity of knowing what the Biomuseo is all about, participating in the guided visits, to both the models hall and the construction site. They are taking place every friday from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Take advantage of this great opportunity. Sign up for a visit trough our web page.
Fill out the registration form that you’ll find under the “Visit the construction” section and we will contact you to confirm your visit.

Each tour has a limit of 25 people, so remember to sign up early.  This is the opportunity to see the birth of one of the most spectacular museums in the region.