Project. Pou Manawa (Maori name for the Tree) is the heart of the new retail centre at Auckland International Airport, it stands proud where people gather, coming and going from their journeys around the world. Fabric Structure Systems were approached with a brief to develop the significant sculptural piece for the Auckland International Airport’s retail departures area.
Concept/Design. Pou Manawa takes the form of a sculptural tree, crafted from SEFAR® Architecture fabric & tensioned into place, creating a continuous light translucent surface, which is rear projected to bring the Tree to life, with various natural & traditional Maori themes.
Construction. The Tree form is achieved by tensioning a SEFAR® Architecture membrane between a massive perimeter truss ring frame suspended from the buildings roof structure and a sculptural trunk base. The independant structural elements enabled a clear uninterrupted surface to be created for projection. Special consideration had to be given to the placement and quantity of projectors and LED lights to achieve the continuous 360 degree projection.
