Structure Type: Cable Structure
Project Scope: Design-assist and installation of cable net, steel attachments, and mesh panels
Project Size: 450′ x 60′ metal mesh tapestry supported by cable net attached to 80′ columns
Material: Cables
Location: Washington, DC
Completion Date: May 2020
Owner: United States Federal Government
General Contractor: Clark Construction
Architect: Gehry Partners, LLP
Engineer: AECOM
Photo credits: Christopher Zimmer
The Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial, located on the south side of the National Mall in Washington, D.C., is a four-acre memorial park featuring an iconic stainless steel tapestry, bronze sculptures, and stone bas reliefs. The Tomas Osinski-designed tapestry displays an image of the Normandy beaches on D-Day. The stainless steel tapestry, composed of 640 separate steel mesh panels, is supported by a cable net attached to six 80-foot-tall granite-clad columns.
We started the Eisenhower Memorial project in a design-assist role, working with the architect, artist, and engineer to develop the design from its early concepts. The project required close coordination with both the architect, Gehry Partners Associates, and the artist, Tomas Osinski.
We were required to develop a structural system that would support a series of art installation tapestry panels. The artist and the architect wanted the supporting cable-net structure and connections to have minimal visibility and no aesthetical impact on the artwork. Special detailing and solutions had to be developed to meet this requirement.
The scope included the installation of the entire cable net, connectors, high-grade stainless steel attachments, and 640 separate steel mesh panels.
