Systematic design with the 3D program “Pro E” has resulted in an extremely short construction time and also guarantees the high precision so essential for such a project. Furthermore, such a method enables the fabrication drawings to be optimised and the number of fabrication operations to be substantially reduced. The positions of prefabricated ladder elements have been exactly set out and supported by a scaffold structure. Starting with the “funnel”, the elements have been tack-welded to spot-welded diagonal members and afterwards welded together. Covered with glass and metal panels with concealed fixings and with all joints sealed with silicone, the result is a delicate half-shell – and a new landmark for London.
Reference overview and Header image: © Hufton & Crow
