2017 Archive : Boat Show Duomo

Project Details

Fabric 1

Vinyl
Producer: Serge Ferrari North America Inc.
Supplier: Serge Ferrari North America Inc.

Engineer Company 1
Eventstar Structures, Corp

Design Company
Eventstar Structures, Corp

Architect Company
Eventstar Structures, Corp

Fabrication Company
Eventstar Structures, Corp

Subcontractor Company
Eventstar Structures, Corp

Project Manager Company
Eventstar Structures, Corp

Installation Company
Eventstar Structures, Corp

Please describe the project specifications

For the second iteration of the Miami International Boat Show at the Miami Marine stadium, the client wanted to maximize the covered courtyard space for the previous year. A Duomo structure was designed at the same radius to fit within the roundabout area of the historic venue.

What was the purpose of this project? What did the client request?

The client engaged us to design a structure that could cover the interior of a roundabout at the venue for their event. They wanted to utilize that space for multiple purposes, including B2B meetings and food and beverage. The structure had to follow the radius of the roundabout as closely as possible. If it exceeded this footprint, it would create a nightmare for the movement of vehicles in and out of the venue.

What is unique or complex about the project?

To accomplish the client’s goal, we designed, engineered, manufactured and installed a Duomo Structure that followed the run of the roundabout. Structure’s such as this are always challenging to install because it does not have the typical arch and column configuration. A reinforced steel/aluminum hybrid hub was designed to receive and to support the individual semi-arches. Over 20 of these semi-arches were connected to the hub to ultimately form the 45m diameter structure.

The vinyl panels of these type of structures require a triangular shape as opposed to the traditional rectangular shaped roofing panel. This leads to many challenges in both the fabrication and installation process. Because of the 70’ Radius, the weld seams were only required for a portion of the panels. This proved somewhat of an issue in the early fabrication phase because the soft goods fabrication shop is tailored toward connected two panels of the same length. The keder fed panels were also difficult to install due to the lack of the typical arch “fulcrum” that helps with pulling the fabric. Standard beam covers and a custom hub cover were also installed to seal the metal components from cause possible leaks.

The Duomo structure was mounted on top of an e-deck modular floor system with a gray wood finish. The client required alterations to the flooring throughout the event to adapt to the type of occasion they were holding in the space. Vinyl wall panels were added and removed as necessary, and a glass railing system was utilized to subdivide the structure when necessary. Ultimately, the maintenance of this structure required for the numerous transitions proved to be almost as complex as the fabrication and installation.

What were the results of the project?

Our client was very happy with the added function and utility of the space. The useable area was almost 3 times that of the previous year’s structure. The client plans on deploying the same structure for future events, including the boat show at The Historic Miami Marine Stadium.

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