Main author
Michael BrooksArk Encounter, Kentucky
On 7 July 2016, the Ark Encounter opened to the public in Northern Kentucky, USA. Described as a 'one-of-a-kind historically-themed attraction', the 800-acre biblical theme park's centrepiece is a full-size version of Noah's Ark. Standing at 25 m (81 ft) tall and 160 m (510 ft) in length, it is the largest freestanding, timber-frame structure in the world.
The project has been led by Ken Ham, the founder, president and CEO of Answers in Genesis, a creationism group which advocates 'Biblical literalism', that is, the Book of Genesis is historical fact and the Earth is only 6,000 years old.
The Ark was constructed to the biblical dimensions using approximately 7,800 m3 of timber from renewable forests and following LEED-certified methods, including geothermal heating and rainwater capture.
More than 1,000 Amish craftsmen were used to build the ark, adopting timber framing techniques that, wherever possible, replicated those that would have been used in the ancient era, including manually bending the timber rather than steaming it. However, not all the proposed techniques passed building standards – such as the original plan to use wooden pegs instead of steel fasteners.
The first phase of the park cost $100 million and the park's operators plan new additions, including a model of the Tower of Babel and a replica of a 1st century Middle Eastern village. However, it has been beset with controversy for receiving an $18 m tax incentive, for its hiring standards, and for presenting 'anti-science arguments' to children.
For more information, see Ark Encounter.
Images courtesy of ALR Communications.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Building of the week series.
- Dali Theatre and Museum.
- Dunmore Pineapple.
- Luxor Las Vegas.
- Mimetic architecture.
- Niteroi Contemporary Art Museum.
- Norwegian Mountaineering Center.
- Robot Building, Bangkok.
- The Atomium.
- The Big Basket.
- The Oculus.
- Timber.
- Unusual building design of the week.
- Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir.
- Waldspirale.
Featured articles and news
Not buildings. Happy holiday from DB.
Future Homes Standard: Industry calls for more ambition
As the Government FHS consultation finally closes.
Improving government projects with data and AI
Enabling better outcomes, efficient modern delivery and influential leadership on government projects.
BSRIA Living Laboratory Innovation Challenge
Final days for submission, closing March 29.
Windows, their frames, forms, factors and functions.
The hidden subtleties of U-Value calculations
Different contexts and what to include as variables.
A brief run down with related articles.
Electrical sector calls for safer public EV charge points
Serious concerns about electrical safety in the public domain.
Building Blocks manifesto presented to parliament
Architects Declare call in for support of five critical policies.
The four elements of project management with APM
Analysis, expectations, collaborative communication and partnerships.
City of London launches Heritage Building Retrofit Toolkit
Empowering owners to initiate necessary adaptations.
Guidance on RAAC in listed buildings
Published by Purcell, endorsed by IHBC, SPAB and C20.
Learning from the past.
Reluctance to hire people with criminal convictions revealed
Employing People with Criminal Convictions Report.
Tackling unconscious bias; Women's History Month
Personal reflections, as the last week of March approaches.
Comments
historical?