THE CHALLENGE – FABRICATE AND INSTALL ATTRACTIVE SHADE AREAS AT THE TAIL END OF A TIME-SENSITIVE PROJECT
The deadline of opening day for the Outlet Shoppes at Oklahoma City was breathing down our necks for this project. Not only was the overall project schedule immensely tight, but the shade canopies couldn’t be installed until after the buildings were fully closed in and paving completed – right at the end of the project.
Added to this challenge was the problem of site access. Space between the buildings was too tight for large crane access; the site also had ‘mechanical bridges’ in two areas, which required the membranes to be installed 15 feet above ground.
THE SOLUTION – ELEGANT COATED PES MEMBRANE CANOPIES THAT PROVIDE A VISUAL BEACON FOR APPROACHING SHOPPERS
The architect’s original vision called for four identical structures; however, building construction differences and design changes made it necessary to develop three unique geometries. Our membrane recommendation was coated PES – Ferrari 1002 T2 – to provide shade and reduce solar gain without limiting natural light.
Installation was complex, involving the development of unique hoisting details and tools. For the above-ground structures, scaffolding and safety nets were required.
On opening day, temperatures soared to 108°F and shoppers took refuge beneath the canopies, where it was more than 15° cooler. The canopies make the mall instantly recognizable from the adjacent freeway – a ‘visual beacon’ to attract customers.
We are pleased to have collaborated with KieranTimberlake and the outfit of a parking structure on the Rice University Campus. In their blog post, they describe the concepts they employed to create an iconic sculptural element. For more details see the KieranTimberlake blog post.
The Increasing Importance of DurabilityWhile tensile fabric has several distinct advantages over more traditional materials like glass, one of the most important may be its ability to withstand severe weather events. Our tensile structures and tensile facades in Miami, Jacksonville, Houston, Fort Worth, Waco, and Atlanta did not sustain any damage or require any repair despite enduring events ranging […]
