Client: SIIC

Overview

Andrew Furmanski, working with UAP, led the design, fabrication, and installation of Emergence: an arching, brass entry canopy for a landmark civic development in Qingdao, China.

Starting with the bones of the work: the painted Q235B steel structure is an accomplishment of engineering. Measuring just 0.6x1M at the base, the canopy expands to an 8x19M soffit, revealing dramatic arches and generous architectural space. Standing at over 14M tall, the canopy emerges from the ground plane and soars above pedestrians, Andrew honored the vision of the client by successfully reflecting the soaring vision of the development.

In total, over 850 brass panels are held in place by a clever stud and bracket substructure. And at night, the canopy’s surface, perforated by internal lighting, creates the illusion of shimmering lights on the nearby surface of the surrounding coast.

Shortlisted for the 2018 Metal in Architecture Award from World Architecture News

Goals

-Create an engaging and inviting sculptural statement for the important commercial plaza

-Engage the public from the nearby busy intersection with vehicular, public transport, and pedestrian traffic

-Create a functional artwork that acted both as an architectural feature and an engaging sculptural form

-Work within the existing site parameters to deliver a design that was functional, attractive, and cohesive

-Maintain budget guidelines

-Design a form that was visually complex, yet easily fabricated and installed

Process

Approached by the SIIC client team and SWA Landscape Architects, Andrew Furmanski's team at UAP was asked to design and develop a creative and engaging entry statement that was both functional and impressive.

Understanding the brief, Andrew Furmanski created a design that both met all of the client's demands and also respectfully integrated into the existing environment's plan by the landscape architects.

In summary, with the support of the client, SWA, and team members at UAP, Andrew successfully led the design, engineering, detailing, fabrication, and installation of an engaging and functional work that seemed beautifully simple yet, in reality, was carefully considered.

Additional Information

Shortlisted for the 2018 Metal in Architecture Award from World Architecture News