PROJECT
Project specifications
The Australian Open needed an 800m² shade structure for Garden Square, a garden spectator area in front of Rod Laver Arena. It’s one of the hottest times of year – so great shade, with clear lines of sight to video screens, was the primary objective.
The design had to be temporary, installed without any ground penetration, and leave no visible impact once removed, ensuring the area could be restored to its original state.
Additionally, the structure needed to integrate seamlessly with the event’s aesthetics through printed patterns.
Unique challenges
One of the biggest challenges was creating a structure that offered sufficient shade and unobstructed views for spectators.
The solution needed to be high enough to provide clear sight lines of the large video screens from 40 metres behind the structure, while being low enough to allow video shots of the Rod Laver Arena sign above.
Another constraint was that no permanent footings were allowed, which meant devising an alternative anchoring system.
Last but not least, the entire design, engineering, fabrication, and installation needed to be completed within a tight 12-week timeline, with a fast 5 days allocated for setup and 3 days for teardown after the event.
Custom Challenges
Our design utilised 40 tonnes of concrete ballasts to address these challenges and provide structural integrity without ground penetrations.
We determined the exact geometry needed to meet the visual sightline requirements using a 3D point cloud survey and running through 3D modeling from 82 viewpoints.
We custom-printed the top of the structure with digital artwork to complement the event designers’ themed visuals, creating a cohesive aesthetic.
To create a polished finish, all ballasts and trusses were covered in fabric and plywood. This satisfied the functional requirements and elevated the structure’s visual impact.
As briefed, the entire structure was installed in 5 days without ground footings or penetrations and removed in 3 days, leaving the public space pristine, less than a week after the event. This innovative effort won Pattons the 2024 Shade Sails or Structures, Commercial Award from the Specialised Textile Association.
