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Louisiana Tech Research Institute (LTRi)
Louisiana Tech Research Institute (LTRi)
Bossier City, LA, United States
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Other Projects by Gordon Incorporated
Louisiana Tech Research Institute (LTRi)
Bossier City, LA, United States
The recently inaugurated Research Institute stands as a testament to cutting-edge interdisciplinary research support, specializing in nuclear deterrence, cyber resilience, and cybersecurity. A realization of the institute's visionary objectives, the state-of-the-art facility features a futuristic architectural design and premium amenities. Central to its distinctive aesthetics are the sloped and tapered column covers, a crucial contribution from the manufacturer that not only elevates the structure's visual appeal but also ensures durable, top-notch finishes.
The manufacturer's involvement was crucial, supplying over 200 uniquely shaped column cover skins that exhibit a fascinating transformation in width, girth, and angle from the bottom to the top within each skin. The ingenious stacking of these shape-shifting skins results in a round column appearing oblong at the topmost stack and a square column assuming a rectangular form. This intricate architectural design demanded a highly creative approach to achieve constructability while meeting aesthetic requirements. The attachment system, deviating from typical interlocking column cover connections, necessitated special engineering. The manufacturer invested substantial efforts in 3-D modeling and dedicated numerous CAD hours to perfect the design.
Given the complexity, the manufacturer assumed additional responsibility by fabricating a full-scale mock-up at their facility to validate the design. Detailed submittal drawings were generated and submitted to the design team for approval. Only after obtaining approval for both drawings and samples was the manufacturer released to CNC fabricate the component parts.
Precision manufacturing played a critical role in crafting the truncated and elliptical-shaped column enclosures. Maintaining tight tolerances during fabrication and installation was challenging, requiring meticulous attention to detail to ensure the radiused skins of multiple stacks perfectly aligned to create a monolithic appearance. Each column cover skin underwent intricate handcrafting, one at a time, and was cross-checked against templates to ensure shape, fit, and function. The factory finishing involved AAMA 2605 powder coating, known for durability against high impact, chemical resistance, and UV protection.
Installation posed its own set of challenges, particularly addressing deviations in the construction of structural columns with deflections ranging from 3 to 5 degrees. The collaborative efforts of the manufacturer and the installing contractor were pivotal in overcoming these challenges. The installing contractors demonstrated precision in field-adjusting the fabricated column skins to secure them to the structural columns. Achieving the desired aesthetic tight tolerances demanded a high level of craftsmanship, a feat made possible through the expertise of the installing contractors on this project.
The successful delivery of this unique project owes itself to the true partnership between the installing contractor and the manufacturer. The distinctive design, complemented by lighting in the research institute’s color themes, sets the project apart and qualifies it as a worthy recipient of the 2024 CISCA Construction Excellence Award. The Research Institute stands not only as a hub for groundbreaking research but also as a visual and technical marvel in the realm of architectural innovation.
The manufacturer's involvement was crucial, supplying over 200 uniquely shaped column cover skins that exhibit a fascinating transformation in width, girth, and angle from the bottom to the top within each skin. The ingenious stacking of these shape-shifting skins results in a round column appearing oblong at the topmost stack and a square column assuming a rectangular form. This intricate architectural design demanded a highly creative approach to achieve constructability while meeting aesthetic requirements. The attachment system, deviating from typical interlocking column cover connections, necessitated special engineering. The manufacturer invested substantial efforts in 3-D modeling and dedicated numerous CAD hours to perfect the design.
Given the complexity, the manufacturer assumed additional responsibility by fabricating a full-scale mock-up at their facility to validate the design. Detailed submittal drawings were generated and submitted to the design team for approval. Only after obtaining approval for both drawings and samples was the manufacturer released to CNC fabricate the component parts.
Precision manufacturing played a critical role in crafting the truncated and elliptical-shaped column enclosures. Maintaining tight tolerances during fabrication and installation was challenging, requiring meticulous attention to detail to ensure the radiused skins of multiple stacks perfectly aligned to create a monolithic appearance. Each column cover skin underwent intricate handcrafting, one at a time, and was cross-checked against templates to ensure shape, fit, and function. The factory finishing involved AAMA 2605 powder coating, known for durability against high impact, chemical resistance, and UV protection.
Installation posed its own set of challenges, particularly addressing deviations in the construction of structural columns with deflections ranging from 3 to 5 degrees. The collaborative efforts of the manufacturer and the installing contractor were pivotal in overcoming these challenges. The installing contractors demonstrated precision in field-adjusting the fabricated column skins to secure them to the structural columns. Achieving the desired aesthetic tight tolerances demanded a high level of craftsmanship, a feat made possible through the expertise of the installing contractors on this project.
The successful delivery of this unique project owes itself to the true partnership between the installing contractor and the manufacturer. The distinctive design, complemented by lighting in the research institute’s color themes, sets the project apart and qualifies it as a worthy recipient of the 2024 CISCA Construction Excellence Award. The Research Institute stands not only as a hub for groundbreaking research but also as a visual and technical marvel in the realm of architectural innovation.
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