The Challenge Twenty six fabric ceiling ‘blades’ installed over 100ft (30m) above the ground at Riverchase Galleria shopping mall, protect shoppers from the glaring Alabama sun. One of the advantages of using tensile fabric on this project is that it could be attached to the building’s existing steel frame without putting too much extra load on the roof. The fabrication and installation times were also kept to a minimum compared to other traditional shade options. Under the heat of the midday sun, Riverchase Galleria’s shoppers wilted from the glare and heat generated by its glass atrium. To combat this problem and reduce air conditioning costs, CHM Architects Inc. had a vision to create a shady calm from sculptural screens, suspended high above the food hall and main concourse. All the te

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