Ceiling Art
by Jonathan McGaha | August 31, 2009 12:00 am
Most people probably don’t pay too much attention to the ceiling above them when they walk into a building. That is, unless the ceiling is rather unusual, something that demands to be noticed, like the suspended copper ribbon ceiling in the new Social Security Administration building in Birmingham, Ala.
The 587,000-square-foot (54,532-m2), eight story building in Birmingham’s historic downtown district features a custom ceiling system that establishes continuity throughout the building along the mall walkway. Featuring a copper finish, the undulating ceiling winds its way along a second floor mezzanine, past offices, picture windows and a sky-lit courtyard. The ceiling functions as both an arresting design element and a construction feature, concealing electrical, acoustic and interior sprinkler systems.
Ceiling fabricator Steel Ceilings Inc., Johnstown, Ohio, designed the 515-foot- (157-m-) long ceiling with 722 individual panels covering approximately 13,000 square feet (1,208 m2). Built in 44 segments, or facets, the ceiling is made up of 22 panel sizes ranging from 24 by 47 inches (610 by 1,194 mm) to 38 1/2 by 85 inches (978 by 2,159 mm).
Oakland, Calif.-based Móz Designs supplied the0.063-inch (1.6-mm) copper-colored, solid core aluminum panels in its reflective Thunder and Clouds pattern. The environmentally friendly panels contain 80 percent post-industrial recycled aluminum and are 100 percent recyclable.
The panels were installed using Steel Ceilings’ torsion spring system. The beginning and end of each section is tilted to lead to the next elevation for the next section, creating an undulating, ribbon like effect.
Four distinct perforated patterns were placed on the outer edges of the ribbon for acoustic absorption. The sound absorption results range from 0.70 NRC to 0.95 NRC, depending on the perforation pattern and acoustic backing.
A customized 10-inch (254-mm) perimeter trim was created by Móz along the outside edge to conceal the internal mechanicals. Cutouts were integrated throughout the ceiling to accommodate light fixtures and sprinklers.
The LEED Silver certified building is a high profile office and lifestyle center designed to help launch the redevelopment of Birmingham’s historic district. The building houses approximately 2,200 employees and includes offices, a daycare center, bank, retail shops and a skylit food court.
“The suspended ceiling ‘floats’ throughout the public areas, cascading from the lobby to a busy mezzanine corridor that overlooks the mini-city,” said Tripp Sandford, vice president of Móz Designs.
“As pedestrians stroll along the corridor, light dances on the hand-etched surfaces, creating movement and iridescent reflections.”
Social Security Administration Center, Birmingham, Ala.
Award: 2008 Best of Competition Award from the Ceilings & Interior Systems Construction Association
Architect: HOK, Atlanta
General contractor/builder: Opus Architects & Engineers Inc., Atlanta
Ceiling installer: Price Ceiling & Drywall, Clanton, Ala.
Ceiling fabricator: Steel Ceilings Inc., Johnstown, Ohio
Metal ceiling panels: Móz Designs, Oakland, Calif.
Source URL: https://www.metalarchitecture.com/projects/ceiling-art/