Case Stories

Challenge

HOK led the design of the new transportation hub, showcasing the facility’s exterior with a 120-foot-tall glass wall at its entrance. The Center’s arched roof was covered with air-filled plastic pillows to allow sunlight to illuminate the interior, and included 1,354 colored lights, which are visible at night. Its unique shell design called for a ventilation system that complemented the modern structure while exceeding energy efficiency requirements. The overall goal was to create a building that is a destination in itself while bringing joy and entertainment to travelers.

Solution

To ensure that the modern hub’s ventilation system was high performance, energy efficient and attractive, HOK turned to Construction Specialties (CS). To maximize air flow within the sloped design, the CS team placed its Architectural Louvers on an incline, requiring additional onsite testing to ensure performance in wind and rain conditions. Prior to installation, using the same slope parameters, the louvers met the test guidelines for a 29-mph wind speed and three inches of rainfall per hour. Testing the specially shaped louvers to ensure proper function under real-world conditions assured designers and contractors that the product exceeded all performance and aesthetic requirements.The LEED-certified building was honored in 2015 by the American Public Works Association as the Public Works Project of the Year.