Maunsell Engineering 2008

Maunsell Engineering "Steel City"

 With the urban squeeze showing no signs of abating, what has become increasingly popular in architecture is the transformation of existing industrial and warehouse type spaces into modern apartments, chic cafes, bars, and entertainment venues. One of the focal points with this approach lies in the juxtaposition of weathered wood, brick and iron standing comfortably alongside designer furnishings and state of the art lighting. For the Maunsell/Aecom gala evening, a similar transformation took place in the Great Hall of the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. Embracing the theme of a Steel City, the event space was deconstructed and features were made from aspects of the production hardware, equipment we would normally try to conceal. Lighting also featured extensively and created a warm and inviting environment within this cool and slick cityscape.

  The first element that suggested the night was going to be a bit different was the use of blue carpet, and brass bollards with blue rope at the entrance. Stretching out underfoot, the carpet and bollarding provided a fresh look and feel for the event. Upon entry to the Great Hall, the shape and style of Steel City began to emerge. Suspended from chain winch motors, an array of steel truss systems spanned across the ceiling horizontally. A series of vertical columns of truss then hung from this, some extending into the event space above the tables, and the remainder coming in contact with the floor. The truss structure was then treated with a number of elements and materials including offcuts of roofing iron and coils of air conditioning duct that offered a raw and unfinished effect.

  With the urban squeeze showing no signs of abating, what has become increasingly popular in architecture is the transformation of existing industrial and warehouse type spaces into modern apartments, chic cafes, bars, and entertainment venues. One of the focal points with this approach lies in the juxtaposition of weathered wood, brick and iron standing comfortably alongside designer furnishings and state of the art lighting. For the Maunsell/Aecom gala evening, a similar transformation took place in the Great Hall of the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. Embracing the theme of a Steel City, the event space was deconstructed and features were made from aspects of the production hardware, equipment we would normally try to conceal. Lighting also featured extensively and created a warm and inviting environment within this cool and slick cityscape.

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