Company:
PFEIFER Structures

Project Details

Fabric 1

Tweave Duratech® 570C
Producer/Manufacturer: OTHER
Primary Use: Main Fabric


Engineer Company 1
Charles Duvalle

Design Company
Gordon Huether Studios

Architect Company
HOK

Fabrication Company
PFEIFER Structures

Subcontractor Company
Gordon Huether Studios

Project Manager Name
Phil Finzer

Project Manager Company
PFEIFER Structures

Installation Company
PFEIFER Structures


Please describe the project specifications

PFEIFER Structures successfully constructed the large-scale membrane fin architectural art project at the New Salt Lake City Airport. Despite delays from the coronavirus in 2020, the terminal opened on schedule in 2020.

The New Salt Lake City Airport Redevelopment Program started in 2014 with a goal to secure its position as a global aviation hub for decades to come. The new airport would present passengers with a world-class airport experience. The new terminal in the airport resembles the shape of a canyon in that it begins with a vast open space, pinches in the middle, and opens up again. To enhance the canyon-like architectural features of the new terminal, artistic designs were incorporated that would bring the beauty of Utah’s canyon landscape indoors. The main goal was to bring the outside in and grant a sense of place for visitors to the state of Utah and create an ambiance reminiscent of the canyons of Utah. PFEIFER Structures was brought into the project by HOK and Gordon Huether Studios to incorporate architecturally integrated artwork and to create a beautiful and enriching environment for their passengers.


What is unique or complex about the project?

Inspired by the Salt Lake City community and surrounding landscape, Gordon Huether Studios designed several large-scale installations, including The Canyon, which reflects Utah’s slot canyon landscape. The membrane fin structures are installed on both the east and west walls of the main terminal. The Canyon spans 362 feet, the length of 1.2 football fields, using more than 2.5 acres of composite fabric, and the equivalent of eight miles of aluminum tubing. The entire work consists of almost 800 individual “fins”.


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