The Challenge A bespoke breathtaking 28 m high wave-form canopy undulates across the upper entrance of IKEA. This ambitious tensile structure shelters customers as they enter and exit the store from the adjacent multi-storey car par. Inspired by the ocean waves, this artistic canopy has become a landmark, attracting shoppers from near and far. Drainage of rainwater was a key design element and a challenge. The offset wave profile, with the front profile 180 degrees out of phase with the back, allowed for more efficient control of rainwater run-off to the internal gutter system. The perimeter and cross-bracing structural framework was constructed from steel sections that is utilised as both a guttering and tensioning system for the fabric membrane. The Solution Measuring 14m wide by 72m lon

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