The Ballston Quarter Common Mall
Arlington, VAArchitect: Cooper Carry
Glazier: Service Glass Industries
Engineering/Deign: Fulcrum Architectural Design Services
The Ballston Quarter Common Mall recently underwent a 330 million dollar redesign. The mall originally opened in 1951 as the Parkington Shipping Center has been updated to attract destination retailers into an all-inclusive one stop destination. This mall was once the first major suburban shopping center in the area, and now it once again makes a statement taking retail into the next era. The out to street retail design was designed to create the best possible customer shopping experience.
Our Involvement on this project
In the middle of this new remodel is a new custom Cascading Glass Canopy feature. Service Glass Industries brought us on board to design and engineered this canopy. Glass + Metal Craft would start by quoting the design intent and reading the specs. Focused on the architect’s vision, we used our Fulcrum Architectural Design Services division. This complex project would no doubt be a challenge that required the full use of our design services. We needed to step up and offer solutions.
Fulcrum ADS got to work. We started with a full analysis of designed and actual field conditions. We generated 2d and 3d CAD renderings, engineered shop drawings and stayed on board later with ongoing job site support. But the most important aspect was the design. This project used high tech digital site scanning. “The complex geometry shape of each piece was unique to its location. Each also had to meet zero tolerance glass fabrication relative to one another. This was instrumental” Kristen Forth – Fulcrum DS Mgr. “This project challenged our best to problem solve and meet our customer’s needs.” We also had to take into account the delivery sequence and on site conditions which added yet another level. We then created a full installation support diagram and provided real time troubleshooting. “Our job doesn’t stop when the product is delivered” Kristen added.
One-Source, Infinite Solutions
G+MC would also need our glass division Glass and Mirror Craft to step in. The Glass canopy was not only a complex engineering task, it also needed to have an eye catching decorative finish. Our team now had to carefully plan and execute custom screen printed laminated glass panels. We laid out the pattern and created art approvals for the architect. Once the design was complete we got right to work and the results speak for themselves.
This canopy now offers a beautiful yet functional experience for customers day to day.
We were able to provide both style and precision. This project is a confirmation that we are the best source for architectural glass.
