Toronto Skydome - Structural Canopies and Art Installation

What was once little more than a bus parking lot employed by the Toronto's Roger's Center (fka The Skydome) has now been transformed into an industrial artistic attraction. Nearly two years ago, Concord Adex Developments decided that Block 18C, directly adjacent to the south entrance of the Rogers Centre, would undergo a face lift. Hillsdale Structures and ACL in conjunction with The I.B.I. Group architects were awarded the contract to do just that. Hillsdale Structures began detailing structural and ornamental steel that would soon change the look of this block of land for years to come.

Following months of preparation and endless architectural changes, Hillsdale's ironworkers began erecting factory galvanized structural steel.

This consisted of a series of 18' wide and 30' high flange columns. Most of these were set and welded to cast in plates in concrete retaining walls which encompass the lot. Ensuring the columns were held plumb and at the proper elevation prior to welding involved great skill and patience by the ironworkers on site.

Once the structural steel was erected safely and in less time than originally expected, ironworkers began installing a series of stainless steel screens in 135 locations around the structure. The detailing and double checking involved in the fabrication of the screens and their ability to coincide with fastening holes in the support steel was crucial.

The installation of the screens involved a great deal of care and delicate handling by the ironworkers due to the great expense and razor sharpness. Again this was carried out safely and completed well ahead of schedule. After the structural steel, canopies and stainless screens were complete, ironworkers began installing large art panels by renowned artist Matt Milican. Fully assembled, each panel has a surface area of approximately 400 sq ft. The assembled panels were then carefully rigged and erected with the use of an 8-ton Broderson crane.

This unique artwork is displayed in 24 locations on both sides of the structure.