Scope : Schematic Design, Design Development.
Components : Steel framing, cladding systems in structural decking and standing seam roofing, maintenance and scenography catwalks.
Client : ECA2
Design Consultant and Engineer : HDA
Date: 2013-2014
Audience capacity: 2,500 seats
ECA2, a French scenography designer appointed HDA to design a canopy for a water scenography event at an amusement park they created in Shenyang, China.
HDA designed the structural and cladding systems. Particular attention was paid to repetitive geometries using toroidal forms for an economically optimal design. HDA provided 3D geometry files and structural analysis to be completed by the Chinese LDI engineering office.
The elegant cantilever roof design allows a full field of vision of all the effects for the entire audience with a sweeping design without any supporting columns at the front. In order to achieve an immersive effect for the audience in the story of the waters of Wuyishan, the roof contains not just lighting but also pipework for water columns. The client was understandably nervous about the innovative design and needed considerable reassurance.
“The cantilever roof is technically advanced. The design and engineering team brought the plans to the client and they looked at at it and said, ‘Isn’t there something missing in the roof – there is no pillar you have not finished your design!’”
With its contemporary cantilever design, it seems to float weightlessly.
“Once inside, guests ascend stairs to see that they are covered by a gigantic cantilevered roof that not only protects them from the elements, but houses an array of the show’s special effects equipment.
The roof appears to float above the seating area with no support poles obstructing views. The client was initially sceptical the design would work and asked for additional support to be designed into the structure to exceed engineering requirements. The roof is 70 meters wide and has enough open space inside the structure to comfortably walk around in. Catwalks connect the various effects housed in the roof including lighting, piping for the shower effects, and on top of the roof, two fountains that spray across the entire stage during the Wow Moment.”
