BREAKTHROUGH PRIZE

In July 2016, ADAPTIV Structure Solutions was contacted by BW Architects out of New York with an inquiry to change the shape of The Breakthrough Prize Award Show Structure from an A-Frame 40m to a 40m Monopitch. The concept was to create a more camera-friendly background by facing the stage towards Hanger One at the NASA Ames Research Center.

The challenge was that no 40m Monopitch had ever been manufactured or attempted before. To add to the complexity of the project, they also requested that the hanging load per arch meet a minimum of 2,500 pounds each. We accepted the challenge and got to work with their engineers to create the industry’s first 40m Monopitch 40m in depth, 45m in width and a 53’ center height. The hanging load per arch met and exceeded 2,500 pounds. Custom baseplates, knee-braces and roof panels were all required to meet the goal. We were also tasked with providing heat and maintaining a 73-degree average at all times.

Other structures for the compound included a Press Tent, Cocktail Tent, Catering-Kitchen Tents and all Support Structures, totaling more than 35,000 square feet. Losberger De Boer, Steeldeck and All-Access Staging comprised the floor space and the walls were combination of vinyl, hard wall, and glass. This event usually takes six months of planning, three weeks to install, and five days to tear down.The biggest obstacle we overcame was working with NASA Engineers on a D Exposure and one of the highest safety standards in the nation.