Typology
Public/Civic
Plaza
Commercial
Location
Spokane, Washington
Square footage
6775 membrane; 78,726 structure
Year
2019
Owner
City of Spokane - Parks and Recreation Department
Developer
Producer
The U.S. Pavilion, nestled within Spokane’s Washington's Riverfront Park, is a relic from the 1974 World's Fair. A winter storm had damaged the fabric cover shortly after the fair and, for over four decades, the once-tent-like structure was neglected. GuildWorks was brought on, as consultants for NAC Architecture, to reimagine a new shade structure for this historic and iconic building.
Drawing upon our expertise in tension structures, the GuildWorks team proposed an innovative solution: attaching shade elements to the existing cable-net structure. Meticulous analysis and modern techniques allowed us to reverse engineer the 46-year-old cable net, revealing its hidden potential to support a new fabric array. Engineered struts, tension cables, and custom-designed architectural fabric panels breathed new life into the cable net, preserving its rich history while seamlessly blending tradition and modernity.
As afternoon sunsets grace the horizon, the fabric panels come alive, casting geometric patterns that enhance the visual allure for patrons gazing towards the stage. Extensive sun shade studies ensured strategic fabric positioning, allowing visitors to bask in sunlight during cooler parts of the day.
The impact of this renovation has touched Spokane's residents who have cherished the U.S. Pavilion as a beloved symbol for generations. We take immense pride in our contribution to preserving its legacy and honoring the past while ushering in a vibrant future.
