2024 Archive : Universidad Autónoma de Occidente

Project Details

Fabric 1

ETFE 200 microns
Producer/Manufacturer: Nowofol GmbH
Primary Use: Main Fabric

Engineer Company 1
Dunn Lightweight Architecture

Design Company
Dunn Lightweight Architecture

Architect Company
Dunn Lightweight Architecture

Subcontractor Company
Dunn Lightweight Architecture

Project Manager Name
Manuel Garcia

Project Manager Company
Dunn Lightweight Architecture

Installation Company
Dunn Lightweight Architecture

Please describe the project specifications

The project features 28 inflated ETFE cushions, each averaging 62 m² (8m x 4m). The top layer of the cushions with the natural transparent ETFE color, while the bottom layer, also in the natural color, has printed dots for extra shade, which are not visible from a distance. The primary goal of this project was to create a versatile, mixed-use space capable of hosting academic events, graduation ceremonies, conferences, and providing a vibrant gathering area for students in their daily activities. This structure needed to be both lightweight and visually striking.

One of the significant challenges we faced during this project was executing it in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic severely impacted our logistics, causing considerable delays. All components were manufactured in Mexico and shipped to Colombia, where most of our shipment was held up in customs for at least a month. Despite these setbacks, we were granted a time extension and successfully completed the installation of all 28 cushions in less than 30 days.

The resilience and adaptability of our team were key to overcoming these challenges. The lightweight and durable ETFE cushions not only fulfilled the structural but also the aesthetic requirements of the project. Despite the logistical difficulties, we managed to design, manufacture, and install the 28 cushions with precision and efficiency. The Universidad Autónoma de Occidente, located in Cali, Colombia.

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