U.S. Port of Entry, GSA
Del Rio, TX USA
The port of entry required powerful and symbolic forms thatwe could invest with openness, optimism and a gesture of welcome. With thatpurpose, we designed soaring steel canopies that could be seen from a greatdistance on the surrounding Rio Grandeflood plain. Wing-like in form, these structures temper the harsh sunlight andarid conditions at the border and also mediate a set of complex demands. Aswith another commission we received from the GSA’s Design Excellence Program—a60,000 SF office building at the Pease International Tradeport—our designresolves inherent tensions between the need for openness and security, shadeand transparency. Ample amounts of light, for example, are essential forsecurity and screening vehicles; our solution creates large north-facing slotsin the canopy to bring light in; the slots also function as natural vents thatdraw fumes from idling cars and trucks. The GSA honored our scheme with adesign award in 2004.
Del Rio, TX USA
The port of entry required powerful and symbolic forms thatwe could invest with openness, optimism and a gesture of welcome. With thatpurpose, we designed soaring steel canopies that could be seen from a greatdistance on the surrounding Rio Grandeflood plain. Wing-like in form, these structures temper the harsh sunlight andarid conditions at the border and also mediate a set of complex demands. Aswith another commission we received from the GSA’s Design Excellence Program—a60,000 SF office building at the Pease International Tradeport—our designresolves inherent tensions between the need for openness and security, shadeand transparency. Ample amounts of light, for example, are essential forsecurity and screening vehicles; our solution creates large north-facing slotsin the canopy to bring light in; the slots also function as natural vents thatdraw fumes from idling cars and trucks. The GSA honored our scheme with adesign award in 2004.
