Brookfield Place Winter Garden Pavilion

Highlights

• The pavilion structure consists of a glazed box supported by two 53-foot, tree-shaped, sculptural steel columns that are double-layer diagrids of curved pipes with an elliptical shape in plan that shifts asymmetrically as they rise. 
• A significant challenge was implementing the architect's vision of a continuous seamless pipe while ensuring the feasibility of erection. We collaborated with the contractor on the design of the heavy six-inch steel pipe columns that intersect at two planes.
• The pavilion’s complex foundation system, which spans an underground passageway and existing subway train line, consists of a series of six caissons along with a pile cap for the former north pedestrian bridge destroyed during the 2001 terrorist attack.
• We also followed AISC requirements for “Architecturally Exposed Structural Steel,” which are twice as stringent as standard tolerances to ensure the acceptable appearance of the structural elements.