Company:
Birdair, Inc.

Project Details

Fabric 1

ETFE Film
Producer/Manufacturer: Nowofol GmbH
Primary Use: Main Fabric


Engineer Company 1
Magnusson Klemencic Associates (MKA)

Design Company
Populous

Architect Company
Populous

Fabrication Company
Birdair, Inc.

Subcontractor Company
Birdair, Inc.

Graphics Company
N/A

Project Manager Company
Birdair, Inc.

Installation Company
Birdair, Inc.


Please describe the project specifications

The purpose of the Oklahoma City's 4th Street Experience is to provide a unique and wonderful pedestrian experience along SW 4th Street between the new MAPS 3 Oklahoma City Convention Center and the new Omni Convention Hotel. This idea originated from feedback from the MAPS 3 Convention Center Subcommittee, who requested that this area be transformed in to something special for pedestrians to experience between the two new buildings. In conjunction with the MAPS 3 project team and the City of Oklahoma City, the 4th Street Experience ETFE film canopies will be constructed over 4th Street to provide sculptural overhead structures that further enhance the pedestrian feel of this space. There are a total of 10 identical-shaped structures with single layer fritted ETFE film covering a combined total plan area of approximately 9,500 sq.ft. Our scope included design, engineering, fabrication and installation of the single-layer ETFE film, reinforcement cables and clamping. We partnered with steel company, who provided engineering, fabrication and installation of the structural steel framing.


What is unique or complex about the project?

We decided to enter this project due to the uniqueness of the single layer ETFE tensile canopies which emulate transparent sculptural “tree-like” structures. We're seeing more and more projects here in the U.S. utilizing ETFE film, as it's highly durable, highly transparent and very lightweight compared to glass structures, making it the material of choice for traditional skylight applications to long span structures and building facades. In this particular project which sets apart from others we've completed this past year is the signature look these shade structures will offer the modern space of the newly surrounding buildings. With the convention center being one of them and all the events that will take place there, people will exit and enter under a series of louvered ETFE shade structures, somewhat similar to trees, that create a virtual canopy over the street. They are built at varying heights, providing shade during the day and protection during rainy days. At night, colored lights place atop and underneath the structures generating an lasting impressionable “experience.” SW 4th Street is in direct sun during summer days and pedestrian comfort is important for a successful experience. Letting sunlight through to brighten the overall space was also important, especially with landscaping. Finally, creating something iconic and unique to the City planned in the area, was also very valuable.


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