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Civics lab opens with punch-list work; exterior wayfinding maps to be refabricated after wind damage
Summary
Staff reported the civics lab has been in pilot use for about a month and is undergoing minor optimizations (seating, printer fixes, signage). Exterior bronze campus maps damaged in a recent windstorm will be refabricated with angled reader-rail brackets and engineered brackets due before July 1.
Exhibit staff told the Capitol Interpretive Exhibits and Wayfinding Subcommittee that the new civics lab and student pathway have been operating in pilot mode for about a month and that the team is addressing several punch-list items as the space receives regular public and school visits.
Ashley, who led the exhibit update, said staff have corrected minor technology and fabrication issues — for example, a bookcase printer jam has been fixed and new bench seating is being sized to better suit visiting students. Staff are monitoring how school groups use the civics lab and will return with recommendations after the spring field-trip season.
"We are going to chat a little bit about the civics lab... and review some punch list work," Ashley said during the presentation.
Installers from the fabrication contractor DI were introduced and recognized by the committee for on-site installation and remediation work. Committee members asked staff to make entry signage more obvious so visitors know the civics lab is open during business hours.
Ashley also presented options for eight exterior campus reader-rail maps that were damaged in a recent windstorm. The team proposed changing the bracket style from uprights to an angled, lower reader-rail orientation to reduce wind loading and improve sight lines to the Capitol building. Ashley said all bronze panels are complete and that engineering and bracket fabrication are underway, with the team aiming to have the reader rails installed in time for a July 1 celebration.
On interior work, the staff described adding dimmable pendant lighting in display niches and patching conduit trenches to meet historic standards. Remaining items on the punch list include small wall signs for ADA routing on the third level and bench seating in the civics lab.
Next steps: staff will proceed with the angled reader-rail engineering and bracket fabrication, install niche lighting and complete the civics lab bench/door signage corrections; the subcommittee will track results and visitor feedback during the summer pilot period.
