The Feature factory design team was asked by Gensler to assist in the development of a blind detailing and backlighting solution for a new portal concept for Armani. The idea was to then roll out the concept across the US and Canada. FEFA then bid on the work and completed 5 of these storefronts in-house, while others were built by "the low bidder" in a variety of locations.
The design development process proceeded as shown below:
1) Model typical details and arrangements for all glass, framing, lighting, trims etc.
2) Perform FEA and finalized material thicknesses and joining methods
3) Create site-specific models, extract dimensions, pre-cut materials
4) Ship to site and install
(Images used courtesy of Feature Walters under license)
Gravity countours, exaggerated
lateral stress contours, exaggerated
Coordination and clash detection view of rollup door, framing, lighting, sprinkler etc.
Detailed view of connections, hinges and internal structure
Conventional sections of build-ups for sign-off
Installation of sprinkler
Installation of glass
Glass taped in place during adhesive / sealant cure
Finished appearance of portal. FYI Lighting is not yet powered up, so if anyone has a picture of this feature completed, please send it to me!
