Overview
Ten innovative projects throughout the U.S. won 2021 IDEAS2 Awards, the steel industry’s top design honor.
Sponsored by the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC), the Innovative Design in Engineering and Architecture with Structural Steel (IDEAS2) Award program recognizes projects that illustrate the exciting possibilities of building with structural steel.
This year’s projects range from a massive arena to a jaw-dropping school that appears to defy gravity to a sculpture that draws inspiration from West African “talking drums” to honor the founders of the National Bar Association.
“These projects showcase the versatility of structural steel,” said AISC President Charles J. Carter, SE, PE, PhD, “and they all demonstrate a remarkable amount of innovation and creativity. Congratulations to the team behind each project for a job very well done!”
Dickies Arena was named as the National Award winner in the Greater than $200 Million category.
“This is a collection of buildings with impressive logistics and impressive resolution. The stated goals were clearly and gracefully achieved. The steel structure feels like an integral and expressive part of the design, both in the exposed, rugged roof structures, and in the more refined tactile structures like the stairs and railings. This is a great example of how all the pieces can come together to create a whole that’s more valuable than the individual parts.”
- Anders Lasater, AIA, CEO and Principal Architect, Anders Lasater Architects, Los Angeles
Moore of the Story
An icon for Fort Worth, Dickies Arena offers the community three spectacular entrances: a grand North Stair connecting to the cultural district and the revered Will Rogers campus; a monumental stair linking to downtown; and an ornate pedestrian bridge extending to the new parking garage. These stunning entryways draw the patron into a meticulously landscaped plaza. Like the arena, this three-acre space was designed in a Southwest Art Deco architectural style to pay homage to the city’s architecture and the region’s cowboy culture.
This exceptional facility had three architects working collaboratively to create a cohesive design while our team partnered with them to bring this design to life. Design architect, David M. Schwarz (DMS) focused on the detailing and aesthetics of every space. Sports architect and Architect of Record, HKS, prioritized the function of the arena and how it appealed to fans—including the sightlines and acoustics. Finally, the architect for the arena support building, Hahnfeld Hoffer & Stanford, focused on the functionality and flexibility of that space. The Walter P Moore team worked closely with the architects to create innovative solutions for each space and function of the complex.
It was imperative the roof be an efficient and acoustically-sound structure to provide superior sound quality at all performances. HKS envisioned a one-of-a-kind atmosphere, unlike any other rodeo venue. An arena that produced intimate experiences and improved sightlines. DMS’s goal was to create a state-of-the-art arena with the highest quality finishes and amenities in the country. This highly particular approach resulted in complex structural elements from the exterior skin down to the style of the gusset plates on the roof trusses. The structural team worked very closely with these architects to provide a level of detail rarely required for projects of this scale.
Dickies Arena will host major events such as the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, NCAA Men’s Basketball tournament, hockey games, festivals, and more. Walter P Moore’s efficient, constructible solutions brought the architects’ vision to life, creating a world-class facility that boasts some of the best amenities in the country.
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