one of a kind StructureThe client contacted us because they were looking for something outside the box of typical tension structures. After a couple rounds of sketch concepts we narrowed in on what this art installation wanted to achieve. Project Goals:
Tensioned netsOne of the major limitations we faced was how to anchor a large scale installation to an existing building that was designed over 30 years ago without this in mind. In order to limit the otherwise tremendous wind loads that a fabric structure would generate, we decided to go forward with a tensioned net structure that would allow the wind to blow through. Though similar in many ways to tension fabric architecture, the use of net required a fair amount of R&D. We built a scale model of the structure to help study the net system as well as multiple full scale mock ups to help us optimize the form and accurately fabricate the design. Large scale Art In the heart of townThe installation consists of three interconnected tension net structures over 300 feet long in total length with some individual pieces as long as 115 feet long. There are two primary structures supported by 70 foot tall tilted steel masts with a smaller but equally complex piece suspended in between. Each of the structures also has smaller fabric pieces suspended between the nets as accents almost like vertebrae within. GuildWorks has built and installed many art pieces at this scale and even much larger but this Installation is the largest permanent art installation that we have done to date.
Dancing Sky: As one walks through this space they experience the view constantly shifting as the perspective through layers of net and fabric change. The shadows of net and fabric are also in a constantly changing dance around the courtyard.
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