Advocate Aurora Healthcare Parking Facility

Nailing the Process from the word Go!
Intricately designed projects are always a welcome challenge at AGS. From submittal phase all the way to crating and loading for delivery – we strive to streamline the entire project and all tasks therein. The more complex the more strategic pre-planning is a must. Here’s a little inside scoop from our operations manager on how the fabrication team nailed this design.

“The vision barrier we provided for this prestigious healthcare facilities’ parking garage was a complex system that required thoughtful planning and preparation. First off, the vertical fins segment of the project featured a “wave” effect. For proper fabrication and assembly, this effect required full scale drawings to create templates for each and every airfoil rotation as the wave progressed both vertically and horizontally. After that, a tag system was implemented to locate specific parts attaching to subframes. This component was crucial as each piece varied in 5° increments and lots of similar parts could easily be mistaken for others.

Next, the “sawtooth” portion of the project required a heavy wall 3”X3” gusset subframe, provided by AGS. Custom weldment fixtures allowed us to maintain accuracy and precision with this critical structural component. These frames were then welded to module units that would ultimately support the aluminum perforated panels. From there they were delivered to the jobsite and simply mounted to brackets in the field. All preassembled and complete… on-site headaches removed.

A third interesting facet to the project was an array of multicolored aluminum panels, also part of the sawtooth wall feature. We were challenged with the placement of 50 hues of the color spectrum all having a very specific location in the final design. What resulted was an eye-catching Chicago parking facility, screening unsightly views while creating a sense of movement and color.”

Operations Manager: Rich Smith
Architect: SmithGroup
Glazing Contractor: AGW