Current Situation and Solution: SkySong Funnel Canopy Design – A Symbol of Urban Innovation and Collaboration
Conic Structures are a unique type of tensile fabric architecture that uses a basic sail-shaped structure but dramatically alters the aesthetic form by raising or lowering the center point of the structure, creating a cone or funnel shape with the softness of the natural fabric. The SkySong Conic Canopy is a large-scale mixed-use project that includes 1.21 million square feet of office, research and retail space, and a hotel/convention center. The project is an iconic example of the use of tensile fabric canopies to create an innovative urban environment that connects the needs of business, research and technology, and academia.
—
Technical Requirements Analysis & Solution Context
The SkySong project poses many technical requirements and complex contexts:
* Large-scale mixed-use development: Need to efficiently integrate office, research, retail, hotel and residential space.
* Create an iconic focal point: Requires an iconic shade structure that serves as a centerpiece of the development, attracting people to work and socialize.
* Environmental control: A central courtyard should be provided that is shaded in the climate, creating a comfortable space for outdoor activities.
* Fostering collaboration: Design must facilitate the building of vital networks between university innovation, regional advancement, and the global technology industry.
This context required a roofing solution that was not only functional but also highly sculptural, visually striking and durable.
—
Technical Solutions
The SkySong canopy is a typical project for the application of tensile fabric structures to create a multifunctional and iconic urban space.
Design and Structure
FTL Design Engineering Studio, in collaboration with Pei Cobb Freed & Partners (Campus Building Architects), designed the sculptural load-bearing structure as a central part of the overall SkySong development. The structure provides a shaded central courtyard with four distinct plazas for cafes, restaurants and social interaction. Underpinned by the iconic shade structure, the SkySong funnel canopy is built around a large, densely landscaped boulevard with shops and restaurants on the ground floor and offices above.
Material
The SkySong cone canopy structure uses PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) glass fabric with an area of approximately $50,000$ square meters, opened in May 2009. PTFE material was chosen for its ability to withstand external weather effects and its transparent, light-transmitting properties, but still has the ability to filter sunlight, helping to control temperature and effectively shade the structures below, ensuring a comfortable environment for users.
Functions and Objectives
SkySong will serve the needs of business, research and technology, and academia, and build vital networks between university innovation, regional advancement, and the global technology industry. This is done by creating a space that connects, encourages exchange, and collaboration in a protected and aesthetically pleasing environment.
—
Results and Performance Evaluation
The SkySong cone canopy project has succeeded in creating a dynamic and iconic urban center. The cone-shaped tensile fabric structure not only provides an effective shading solution for a major boulevard and public spaces, but also serves as a unique, eye-catching architectural highlight. The use of high-quality PTFE materials ensures long-term durability and environmental performance, filtering light without increasing heat, creating a comfortable environment for users. Furthermore, the SkySong cone canopy has succeeded in serving as an important network, promoting cooperation between different sectors, thereby contributing to the development of enterprises, research and technology, demonstrating the role of architecture in shaping urban innovation and cooperation centers.
—
Contact Technical Consulting
Flexiiform is proud to be a professional Tensile Fabric design and construction company in Vietnam. With a team of well-trained and skilled Architects and Engineers, we are the only unit in Vietnam to receive professional advice from FasTech Company – The leading design and construction company of tensioned fabric structures in Thailand, with nearly 30 years of prestige and experience in the industry and successfully implementing more than 1,000 tensioned fabric projects in Thailand and Southeast Asia. With the strength of creative ideas in tensioned fabric architectural design, along with practical construction methods, Flexiiform is confident to bring the most optimal solutions for each specific project.
For expert advice on SkySong cone canopy solutions or other cone canopy structures, please contact us. You can find out more about The roof covers the top of the funnel.
Contact information:
Company: Flexiiform
Phone: +84 8678 68830
Website: https://flexiiform.vn/
Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/flexiiform/
