| Stanford University Commencement |
 |
| / |
|
 |
The structure for the Stanford University Commencement was a 140ft x 70ft Ground support system, designed and dressed for an Elizabethan feel. The commission to build the structure was given to design competition winners Live 4 Live. Live 4 Live's Steve Lemon then gave the word to Total Structures to go ahead and build the structure that had been engineered at the proposal stage
The design of the grid was a simple form but posed some interesting problems for manufacture and installation. Each of the wings were to angle downwards from the main grid, which in turn was to be raked up and down stage. The solution to the problem was the creation of sleeve sections that allowed the towers to pass through them at a compound angle. When combined with a clever use of lockable hinges, it allowed the entire structure to be built flat on the floor and raised around a foot before the angling of the grid began. This also meant that no heavy equipment was required to be taken onto the turf of the famous Stanford Stadium
In addition to the structure, Total Structures also supplied the 73% Textilene that the truss is wrapped in and the structure covered with. The skins were manufactured by Show Graphics International
Live 4 Live commissioned the San Diego Opera scenic shop to dress the stage and to mask the towers giving the entire structure the air of permanent architecture.
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
