This cross-shaped exhibition gallery connects twelve independent exhibition halls. The gallery is open on all sides, forming an open light layout.
The elegant prestressed cable-arch structural system uses triangular flexible ties, PC plates on the roof, and different connectors spreading all over the structure.
Arranged in a cruciform plan with a 500m long, 47m high primary gallery intersected by a 300m long 32m high cross gallery: the structure creates a magnificent light-filled circulation area between large exhibition halls.
The primary gallery height is dictated by the surrounding buildings and being in a coastal area it experiences high wind loading.
To maintain the lightest of structures a novel prestressed cable arch was developed, with a fabricated box section of just 500mm depth to span 48m.
It is estimated that the use of the cables has permitted a steel weight saving of up to half compared to a traditional arch structure.
Cast steel components, from cable clamps to arch base pins have been skilfully pared down for the most compact of connections and have enabled quick and safe construction on-site.
The judges particularly admired the simple elegance at the intersection of the crossing galleries and the visual coherency of the structure.