Shirley James Steel Exhibition fabricated by MurphyCatton, Master Builders
Walton, KY: In honor of Shirley James, an environmentalist, a unique park was developed by the city of Evansville in late 2009. Shirley James devoted much of her life to supporting conservational efforts and green movements, and had a vision for Evansville to develop a city-wide bike route designed to conserve energy. In May 2009, plans were set for the new historical site named Shirley James Gateway Plaza and MurphyCatton was awarded the contract for the fabrication of the park’s monumental steel structure.
The large steel structure was fabricated with six graphic panels, each reaching 25 feet high. The panels were each installed at an awkward angle, creating a challenge for them to remain sturdy with their thin pole and top-heavy panels. The graphics portray the history of transportation in Evansville. The panels begin with the Native Americans and their use of the river as transportation to the invention of the steam ship, advancing to trains, automobiles, airplanes and finally ending with the green centric bicycle.
Durability was also taken into account during the fabrication stages of the exhibit. All elements were made out of 304 grade stainless steel to prevent rusting and maintain the ability to withhold its quality while under the pressure of the outdoor elements. With the panels being so top-heavy and oddly-shaped, MurphyCatton had to engineer a solution so that the unique design of the panels would not be compromised once installed. MurphyCatton decided to sink 8 anchor bolts into the ground and weld them together with concrete to ensure that the panels would not bow and could withstand the pull of gravity.
Turned from a dump to a beautiful and glorious park, now has bike trails that take the cyclist around the city. With the purpose of encouraging city dwellers to use more environmentally friendly transportation, the park was intuitively designed to be seen from the Lloyed Expressway in Evansville. The striking panel graphics along with the unusually shaped large structure were designed to draw attention up-close as well as from far away distances.
Combined with their distinctive fabrication technology and over 25 years of experience, MurphyCatton was able to overcome all challenges that came their way, while also delivering a project that was considered to be of “overwhelmingly-
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Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/
