Apollo

This design for a solar canopy and exhibition center is located outside of the future Engineering Quad on LSU’s campus. Designed to provide shade to the parking area, collect solar energy, and provide an exhibition space and office building to run the grid, this is a stunning design.

Placed upon an existing pedestrian circulation path, the building seems to draw users in with its outdoor raised courtyard display. Custom designed pivoting doors penetrate the interior space, inviting people into the space and creating an indoor outdoor display. The high vaulted ceiling, informed by the solar angle, is supported by custom inverted trusses that double as a place for suspended exhibit displays. Large north facing clerestory windows will allow visibility into this suspended display from the engineering quad. Finally, the north side of the building opens into a sheltered sculpture garden. This garden releases you back onto the circulation path for ease of experience.

The form of the design is a system of heavy timber columns and trusses, which form both the primary structure of the exhibition center and the interlocking chains of canopy sheltering the lot. It is a blend of indoor and outdoor space to create a seamless experience.