The team produced a partial mockup of the complex north vestibule at the Hope\u2019s factory to test whether it would meet expectations.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nCustom Bronze Curved Vestibules <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nIn addition to the windows, Hope’s produced five custom bronze curved vestibules. Three are being installed at the main entrance (west elevation) and one on the south elevation at an entrance primarily used by employees. The largest vestibule is for the north entrance\u2014here an existing truck entrance with wooden doors is being converted into a foot traffic area with two pairs of doors and a large shaped transom to make new park space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The new north vestibule features a completely unique design. There is a normal pair of doors in a plane with the exterior wall and vestibule 6 feet beyond. The doors protrude out 6 to 8 feet from the building with a glass roof overhead while incorporating the existing wood doors and transom into the design. Geary\u2019s aesthetic goal was to enhance the new entrance for new spaces being introduced to the museum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hope\u2019s Windows had to meet several challenges with the north entrance vestibule, explains Gruber. \u201cThe north vestibule is the most complex and is a true showpiece. Both pairs of doors are curved on plan. The hardware has to access the radius of the unit. The curved doors are swinging, and as they move, they still have to function.\u201d Hope’s provided custom hardware, specially engineered and manufactured so all components parts and pieces function as designed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gruber details the challenges: \u201cOn top there is a curved skylight that is pitched. There are also sidelights with custom drains. Gutters guide water off a slope and into inside corner tubes, so water drains out the back side behind the wing windows. This means water drainage will not interfere with the walkway.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He acknowledged that making the interconnections work can be a challenge. \u201cYou are limited to bronze because there is no galvanic action and all the components must work in conjunction with one another. Also, the doors are automated: There is a recess box with an automatic open feature for handicapped access that was worked in with the curved-on plan.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hope\u2019s came up with design solutions for all the challenges they encountered. They then produced a partial mockup of the complex North vestibule at the Hope\u2019s factory to test whether it would meet expectations. The partial model was installed, glazed, and sealed on a mocked up concrete pad. Hope\u2019s placed the vestibule on the pad and met at the site of the mockup to demonstrate operations to the architect\u2019s team. After a design review meeting, Hope\u2019s revised shop drawings, produced a model, developed final shop drawings for approval, and then performed fabrication.<\/p>\n\n\n
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