2019 Archive : Aetna – Cotton Center

Project Details

Fabric 1

Architec 400
Producer: Gale Pacific USA Inc.
Supplier: Gale Pacific USA Inc.

Engineer Name 1
Nick Keizer

Engineer Company 1
RNK Structural Engineering

Design Name
Conrad Masterson

Design Company
SHADE Industries

Fabrication Company
SHADE Industries

Project Manager Company
SHADE Industries

Installation Company
SHADE Industries

Please describe the project specifications

The installation at Cotton Center Building 19 included three cantilevered 14x14 shade-sail-style GORILLABrellas that provide a total of 534 square feet of shade. In contrast to a standard cantilevered GORILLABrella, these structures have two support arms at an upward angle and two at a downward angle, creating a 20% twist in the shade canopy mounted at the top.

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

For this project, the client requested an eye-catching installation of shade structures within a thoroughfare between buildings on the campus. The structures were to be placed over multiple seating areas that are used during lunch and break times.

What is unique or complex about the project?

Coordinating the placement of the shade structures was challenging, as each had to remain a minimum of 5 feet away from the building to meet fire code, but they could not project too far out into the walkway spanning the thoroughfare. Additionally, the GORILLABrellas were unusually tall, with an entry height of 10’. Finally, the project’s colors were chosen to match the Aetna corporate colors – the cantilevered steel structure used a white powder coat, and the shade canopy used a bright purple shade cloth.

What were the results of the project?

The three shade structures provide functional midday shade over break time seating areas, and effectively helped to transform an everyday walkway between commercial buildings into an impressive, inviting space.

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