Current Situation and Solution: Design of Flexible Open-and-Close Toll Station Canvas Canopy – Elevating Traffic Architecture
Toll plazas, despite being used by millions of people daily, are often one of the overlooked forms of contemporary architecture. However, when the Vadodara Bharuch toll plaza on National Highway 8 in Gujarat, India was being built, the developer wanted to set a new benchmark in the industry. This led to a search for an in-depth solution, dividing the toll plaza into its basic elements based on need, form and function. The core of the toll system is the island for toll collectors, a weatherproof canopy, an administrative office block and a connecting tunnel. The most interesting feature is that the toll plaza operates 24/7. In this context, the flexible retractable toll plaza canopy became a breakthrough architectural solution, creating a strong visual dialogue.
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Technical Requirements Analysis & Solution Context
Toll stations operating 24/7 require a specific architectural solution that addresses many challenges:
* Weather Protection: Provides effective shelter for personnel and equipment from harsh sun and rain.
* Visibility: Ensures clear visibility for approaching vehicles, especially at night.
* Environmental control: Minimize the impact of smoke and noise from heavy traffic on office blocks and work areas.
* Flexibility: Able to adjust to weather conditions or operating needs.
* Aesthetics: Elevate the appearance of a utility-based building into a unique architectural highlight.
This context required a design that went beyond traditional “canopies”, seeking a solution that was both iconic and highly effective.
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Technical Solutions
The flexible retractable toll booth canopy at Vadodara Bharuch is a result of architectural and engineering innovation, due to Archohm design.
The concept of independent 'canopy' and membrane structure
Various ideas were generated, and the decision was ultimately made to recreate the concept of a ‘canopy’ by removing the traditional canopy and instead providing freestanding winged shelters. The wing-like membrane structures were created so that they could be aligned vertically for most of the month, with a mechanical control system for weather protection. This provided the flexibility to open or close as needed. To ensure greater safety for staff, concrete pavilions were designed and exaggerated to a height of 10 metres. Functionally, these tall, impressive structures increase visibility to approaching traffic, while the focused lighting on their coloured signage enhances the overall visual experience of the square.
Functional block design
The two prominent building blocks, namely the control block and the office block, also reflect the concept of ‘wings’, as both consist of wings that protrude from the central glass towers. The control block is centrally located to optimize visual access and future expansion of the plaza. The office block is adjacent to this area, providing more privacy. The voids of the facades reduce the impact of smoke and sound on the buildings due to heavy traffic. The courtyards and side windows are arranged to allow natural light, ensuring a comfortable and efficient working environment.
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Results and Performance Evaluation
The design of the retractable toll booth canopy at Vadodara Bharuch has successfully set a new benchmark for the toll plaza industry. This architectural solution not only effectively meets the functional requirements of a 24/7 toll plaza but also transforms it into a unique architectural icon. The mechanical control of the wing-like membrane structures provides flexible weather protection and optimises visibility. Raising the height of the concrete pavilions and focusing the light on the coloured signage has significantly improved traffic safety and visual experience. Furthermore, the void design on the façade of the functional blocks has minimised the impact of smoke and noise while utilising natural light and ventilation. The entire project has demonstrated the harmonious combination of function, aesthetics and operational efficiency in a key transport facility.
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Contact Technical Consulting
Flexiiform is a professional Tensile Fabric design and construction company in Vietnam. With a team of well-trained and skilled Architects and Engineers, we are proud to be the only unit in Vietnam to receive professional advice from FasTech Company – The leading company in designing and constructing tensioned canvas structures in Thailand, with nearly 30 years of prestige and experience in the industry and successfully implementing more than 1,000 tensioned canvas projects in Thailand and Southeast Asia.
With the strength of creative ideas in tensile fabric architectural design and practical construction methods, Flexiiform is confident to bring the most optimal solutions for each specific project, especially projects related to tensile fabric cover structures and flexible opening and closing toll station tensile fabric roofs.
For expert advice or to request a detailed quote, please contact us.
Contact information:
Company: Flexiiform
Phone: +84 8678 68830
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