Gate of Earth Sculpture, Raleigh, NC

THE CHALLENGE

CBI provided engineering services associated with the construction of a 22 foot tall aluminum tree sculpture designed by artist Lydia Rubio. 

CBI’S SOLUTION

CBI reviewed Rubio’s renderings and prepared a three dimensional model from which design calculations were based.

CBI worked with the artist and the fabricator to devise an aluminum structure that could be fabricated economically, conform to strict deflection criteria, resist local wind and seismic loads, and be supported so that the existing structure would not be overloaded.

The sculpture, titled “Gate of Earth,” was installed in Raleigh Durham International Airport in 2008.