Project Overview: Construction of walkway canopy at Central West Gate Shopping Mall
Project walkway canopy at Central West Gate Shopping Mall is a complex sculptural tensile membrane structure designed to connect the MRT station to the main lobby of the building. The structure not only solves the problem of shielding but also acts as a work of light art, creating an iconic architectural highlight for the entire area.
- Investor: Central West Gate Shopping Mall (Central Pattana Group)
- Category: Architectural Canopy for Walkways & Interior Stretch Fabric Ceilings
- Structure: 3D curved steel frame and PVDF membrane system
- Specifications: Integrated RGB LED lighting system, customizable tarpaulin brace system
- Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Technical Requirements Analysis & Project Context
The project was set out with the requirement to create a covered corridor that was not only functional but also a unique architectural work, suitable for the scale and class of a leading commercial center. The main technical requirements included:
- Sculptural and non-traditional design: The requirement was to avoid basic frameworks, instead adopting a soft, curvaceous architectural form that creates a natural guidance for pedestrian traffic.
- Complex geometric structure: The entire column and roof system is designed with 3D curves with continuously changing radii, requiring extremely high precision in both manufacturing and erection.
- Integrated lighting effects: The canopy should be designed to be a prominent structure at night, capable of interacting with colored lights to create attractive visual effects.
- Ensure shielding function: Providing a fully sheltered walkway from sun and rain, seamlessly connecting from the MRT station to the building.
Technical Solutions and Implementation Process
To realize a complex design idea, Flexiiform applied advanced technical solutions in processing, manufacturing and installation.
3D Curved Steel Structure
The technical solution is a structural system consisting of steel columns shaped in arcs and arranged in an interlaced manner. The complexity lies in the fact that these components are curved in 3D space with continuously changing radii, creating a natural curving shape. The precise fabrication and assembly of this frame system requires CNC machining technology and a precise survey and positioning process at the construction site.
Custom Tarp System
Due to the complex curved surface of the steel frame, standard tensioning and clamping systems are not applicable. A special tensioning system was designed and manufactured specifically for the project. This clamping system allows the membrane to adhere and be stretched evenly along the 3D contour of the steel frame, ensuring a flat, sharp and wrinkle-free roof surface.
Lighting Integration and Tensile Membrane Surface Applications
Multi-color (RGB) LED lighting is integrated into the base of the steel columns, illuminating in two directions: on the surface of the membrane and shining down on the walkway. The smooth, white PVDF membrane surface acts as a reflective screen, diffusing colored light, turning the entire canopy into a dynamic light show at night. In addition, the project also applies stretch ceiling for the main lobby area, creating uniformity in design.
Results and Performance Evaluation
Project walkway canopy at Central West Gate has been successfully completed, becoming an important architectural highlight, bringing many values:
- In terms of architecture and aesthetics: Create an iconic, unique and modern entrance, enhancing the aesthetic value and luxury of the entire shopping mall.
- Technically: Successfully implemented a structure with extremely complex 3D geometry, from fabrication to erection, demonstrating a high level of technical competence.
- About user experience: Providing a comfortable, safe and visually appealing covered walkway for thousands of visitors each day.
- About the night effect: The integrated lighting system has turned the canopy into an attractive highlight, a work of light art, adding vitality to the square at night.
Contact Technical Consulting
Flexiiform specializes in providing architectural design and construction solutions for tensile membranes with complex technical and aesthetic requirements. For detailed advice on your project, please contact our engineering team directly.
Contact information:
Company: Flexiiform
Website: https://flexiiform.vn
Hotline/Email: [Your contact information]
