tree-shaped steel columns + organic undulating roof shelter trade show facilities in italy

maffeis engineering has completed the ‘new entrance re teodorico’ entrance plaza on the south side of the popular ‘veronafiere’ trade show premises, in italy. the project consists of a steel roof structure, L-shaped in plan, that extends over an area of 6,750 square meters.

all photos by piranesi experience (pichler pro photographer)

the design by maffeis engineering is based on merging an undulating veil with an organic surface. the wavy form was created with high and low points in the structure, that are required for drainage. the organic shape was generated by using a voronoi pattern, highlighting diversity as a visual effect. the macro modules were repeated several times to facilitate fabrication and mitigate cost.

the repetition is a key effect in the structure, but to an observer’s eye, it isn’t noticeable due to the different array of the columns. the high steel columns are designed to represent trees with the upper diagonal parts mimicking branches and supporting the roof. the columns are located under the lower area of the canopy and the drainage of the voronoi occurs through the columns’ core into the ground.

the columns are painted in different brown pantone tonalities to resemble a wooden effect, with brighter colors at the entrance and slightly darker colors as you move further down the plaza. for the canopy, 3 different shades of fritted ETFE in a 2-layer composition were used to emphasize the differentiation between the macrostructures. the ETFE pillows are representing an undulating veil from the top, while from underneath, they resemble tree leaves.

the different shading options were chosen with an environmental analysis tool to create a comfortable area in winter and summer for the visitors. outdoor comfort is complex to assess – unlike what happens in indoor environment, people are exposed to a multitude of variables when spending time outdoors. these variables are difficult to foresee and to control without transforming the outdoor space into an indoor area. light was controlled by defining the amount of dark and light fritted pillows.

the necessary light transmission as well as heat gain on the ground during the fair season was also influenced by the fritted ETFE. a translucent canopy has mean radiant temperature a little higher than dry bulb temperature. the whole canopy structure weighs 495 tons of carbon steel welded on site due to structural and cost reasons. the macro modules were lifted onto the column trees via mobile cranes and then were welded to each other. there is no bolted connection on the project.

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: myrto katsikopoulou | designboom