ASCE Highlights Engineering Behind Obama Presidential Center UHPC Speech Screen
The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) recently recognized the engineering innovation behind one of the Obama Presidential Center’s defining architectural features.
The article explores the collaboration between architects, structural engineers, fabricators, and contractors required to transform President Obama’s words into a permanent architectural feature spanning the upper portion of the Museum Building.
Engineering a Landmark Architectural Feature
Designed by Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects, the speech screen consists of 39 custom Ultra High Performance Concrete (UHPC) panels containing 458 cast letters. The monumental installation required close collaboration between the project team to develop innovative structural solutions capable of supporting the massive letter panels while preserving the architect’s original design intent.
Why UHPC Was Critical to the Project
The article examines how TYLin engineered the speech screen to span significant distances with minimal visible supports while allowing the installation to read as one continuous architectural composition.
It also highlights the role Ultra High Performance played in the project.
Envel’s Role
Envel manufactured the 39 custom UHPC speech screen panels, collaborating closely with the project team throughout fabrication to refine concrete mixtures, reinforcement strategies, manufacturing techniques, and quality control processes required to bring the design from concept to reality.
Read the Full ASCE Article
Read the full article from the ASCE to learn more about the engineering innovation and collaboration behind one of the Obama Presidential Center’s most recognizable architectural features.
