27,871-m² (300,000-ft²), 10,000-seat design/build basketball arena (for DePaul University) and event center featuring an architecturally iconic “swooping” roof. The structural solution for the roof utilizes minimalistic, faceted, and stepped structural steel roof trusses that match the architect’s complex curving roof surfaces. Structural efficiencies were gained by reducing the number of main trusses from the 11 originally prescribed to just 4 by using 18.3-m- (60-ft-) long girders and sway frames between the trusses to support the architecturally curving steel roof framing. Structural steel raker frames are integrated and expressed as part of the open and inviting interior architecture to support the upper precast concrete seating bowl. The lower precast bowl is supported by a combination of structural steel and concrete raker beam framing, a varied system developed to best facilitate the contractor’s construction schedule while meeting all architectural and functional goals.
