GEODIS Park

The use of steel was very important to the design team in order to create an “authentically Nashville” design concept. Combined with cross laminate timber (CLT) with steel as the main feature, the park’s architectural expression required precise details on erection, connection, and coatings—all elements that can often lead to “scope creep” and delayed construction schedules.

The park’s 360° canopy is supported by slender steel columns and a large, signature X-frame at the back of the canopy. To further add to the complexity, the canopy cantilevers in two directions, creating a protected and dynamic entry feature.

Delivery of structural steel often creates the most risk in large scale jobs, both from a pricing and schedule standpoint, yet steel was the primary material in use and at the heart of the design. The accelerated schedule posed unique challenges to the entire project team.

Employing our ConnecTID^® process, we brought structural steel design, connection design, and fabrication together as one, integrated project delivery team. This enabled better communication across disciplines and the ability to craft steel connections to meet the architectural team’s design aesthetics. Design issues were solved well in advance of any requests for information from members disconnected from the design process.

A LOD400 fabrication level detail model was created as the single source of truth for all structural design. Details such as steel coatings and connection details were completed in the design phase with the design team’s approval before problems arose in the field. The enhanced model lowered risk for the owner and construction manager by creating price and schedule certainty.

With price and schedule certainty, risk is reduced for all stakeholders, especially owners and construction managers, who take on project risks from unknown factors that affect project performance, budget, and timeline, as well as change orders and requests for information (RFIs). Our process takes the guesswork out of construction and allows for better communication and overall efficiency.

Original steel bids were outpaced by real data, allowing cost savings in the seven-figure range—well below the original budget. Cost savings this significant put millions of dollars back into the project’s bottom line, freeing up capital to be utilized on important stadium experience features, safety, or other important aspects of the project.

The first steel order was completed in one month, which allowed for an overall smoother construction schedule that carried throughout the construction phase. Improved coordination resulted in steel erection being completed four weeks ahead of schedule while maintaining aesthetics.