PacSci Courtyard Project

Aerial view of our arches

PacSci is exploring ways to ensure that its iconic courtyard endures while becoming more accessible, environmentally sustainable, and engaging for everyone—especially those curious about natural systems, native plants and animals, and the Indigenous peoples and cultures that were here long before the 1962 World’s Fair.

Learn more about the courtyard’s history and architect Minoru Yamasaki on the History of PacSci web page.

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ACCESSIBILITY

Water drop in a recycle symbol

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

Leaves on a branch

NATURAL SYSTEMS, NATIVE PLANTS AND ANIMALS, & INDIGENOUS Cultures

Accessibility

Originally designed by Yamasaki to hold the temporary U.S. Science Exhibit during the 1962 World’s Fair, the courtyard’s current configuration does not meet today’s standards for accessibility. PacSci is exploring options to ensure a safe and comfortable experience for staff and guests of all abilities.

PacSci courtyard arches
PacSci is exploring options to ensure a safe and comfortable experience for staff and guests of all abilities.

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

PacSci is also exploring ways to conserve water with the bold goal of being completely independent of potable water. The courtyard pools currently lose an average of 26 million gallons of potable water each year due to active leaks and evaporation—that translates to an average of 71,000 gallons of potable water every day.

Two fountains spraying water into the pool
The courtyard is losing an average of 26 million gallons of fresh, drinking water each year.

NATURAL SYSTEMS, NATIVE PLANTS AND ANIMALS, & INDIGENOUS Peoples and Cultures

PacSci is exploring ways to add more life to the courtyard in the form of native plants. The introduction of native plants will attract native insect and bird species – the courtyard has an opportunity to become a living, breathing science exhibit. This attitude of curiosity is congruent with Yamasaki’s interest in science and exploration and references his use of plants and floating natural systems throughout his other works.

The addition of life and natural systems in the updated courtyard will also create opportunities for new educational programming. This programming will prioritize inclusivity and accessibility in sensory-friendly settings and will represent cross-cultural perspectives in STEM. This includes cultures that were here long before 1962, as well as those that have long been overlooked, marginalized, and/or appropriated.

Pink flowers
PacSci’s exploration to add more life to the courtyard echoes Yamasaki’s use of plants and floating natural systems throughout his work.

PacSci is still in early in this process. No final decisions have been made yet. Any additions to the courtyard will be reversible and remain in line with Yamasaki’s vision, while also evolving to address the challenges and standards of today.

To see the results of our survey, please visit our Community Outreach and Engagement Updates blog post.

Project Partners

  • Biohabitats Life Sustaining Systems
  • DCW Cost Management
  • GGN
  • Headwater People Consulting
  • Hummingbird Community Cooperation
  • IDE
  • MKA
  • David Peterson Historic Preservation
  • Sazan Group
  • Schemata Workshop
  • Sellen
  • Shiels Obletz Johnsen (SOJ)
  • Studio Pacifica

Frequently Asked Questions

Why has the pool been drained?

The leaks in our courtyard pools have been worsening with time and it has now become unsustainable to keep the North pool filled. These leaks undermine the foundations of our buildings and corrode our electrical and plumbing systems. We drained the pool to avoid additional water waste and further damage to our courtyard and buildings as we work to identify the sources of the leaks and as we develop sustainable solutions.

Learn more in our blog.

Will you re-fill it?

We are currently working to identify the sources of the leaks and are unsure of when or if it will be possible to re-fill the North pool in its current condition. Stay tuned to our website and social media channels for updates.

Does this mean that you are starting construction related to The Courtyard Project?

No. While The Courtyard Project was born out of the need to address these urgent issues, we are still in the Project’s exploratory stages. The North pool had to be drained as it needed immediate action to protect vital systems and ensure our foundation remains stable.

Why didn’t you address the pools’ maintenance needs until now?

PacSci staff past and present have been maintaining the courtyard as much as possible with the available resources. Throughout the decades, we have replaced sealants, pumps, and pipes; repaired drains; installed new equipment; conducted routine cleanings and maintenance; and more. As the team currently entrusted to govern, manage, and work at PacSci, we are passionate about the institution’s health and impact, and we will ensure that our iconic courtyard endures.