The Architecture of Dallas City Hall
The architecture of Dallas City Hall not only blends distinctive style but also incorporates technical advances in its construction. The structure exemplifies the interdependence that occurs in engineering practice as well as the efficient collaboration of various teams. The building's architecture is iconic, and it was completed in 1977. The architecture represents the architectural team of I.M. Pei and Partners. Pei wanted a structure with an organic touch that represented the area in terms of architecture. He hoped to do this by using buff-colored concrete that matched the tones of the surrounding earth. The building construction took 5 years to complete and became an iconic building for the city of Dallas.
The Appearance and Design
The architectural works as evident in the building provide a magical experience and raw truth in the tall structure. The building is 170.7 m long (560 feet) and is concrete is casted on a monolith structure which are supported by the plywood panels which are coated with resin. The faced of the building is longer and leans at 34 degree forward angle. The floors are 2.84 m (9'4'') occupy the beneath space and hovers the massive structure as if it is weightless. The appearance is gravity defying and the massive structure seems stable on the look.
The Unique Shape
The structure takes the form of an inverted pyramid which outlines a construction of large utilizing a post-tensioning formation. This was instrumental in presenting the unique shape of the building and employs the new technologies. The beauty it depicts was achieved using the shrinkage concrete and the truths of the building. The perception on the people's eyes at the model was that the building could potentially fall or collapse. The project came into being soon after the President John F. Kennedy's assassination. The city was still recovering from grief and tragedy of the assassination. The city was also under attack for insecurity and hate.
The Transformational Agenda
The major had the task of reinventing the image of the city and the project was part of the transformational agenda. The mayor was keen on establishing a beautiful city that fit the quality of life and is functional. The city hall was crucial in the rebuilding of the industry and was in a bid to replace the outdated and small structures. The building ought to be pleasing to the public and should serve the public on their needs. The floor of the building was to be set for the public to conduct their businesses in the small counters and offices. The higher floor spaces were to be increased to accommodate the government's duties. As the sketches were put in place the shape of an inverted pyramid took effect.
Addressing Construction Challenges
Some of the issues that the architects addressed include the shrinkage and cracking of concrete. This was dealt with by a careful study on the characteristics of concrete in terms of shrinkage and cracking. Different aggregates and mix were tested before a choice which was suitable made. After a wide consultation, shrinkage-compensating kind of concrete was chosen and indeed provided the solution to the tension and cracking problems. The Texas Industries was mandated to produce the Type K cement to match the shrinking requirements for the building. The buff colored cement was attained by clinker oxidization in the kiln and reprocessing by way of extra burning. The color ought to be consistent as much of the time the color is prone to be affected by the different variables such as the properties of aggregates, water to cement ratio, temperature of placement, variations of the cement batch to batch and conditions of the curing process.
The Design and Construction Process
The design was formalized and the construction process regulated to meet the demands provided. Though the form work was not specified, the plywood; designs were oriented towards the final product. The presentation of the final picture of the wall was evident in the initial structure. The design though demanding was made to be more affordable by adopting repetitive elements in its structure. Coffered kinds of ceilings were constructed out of fiber glass which took the form of dome shape that could easily be reused. The walls were made of boards originally but were replaced by the phenol plywood that were coated with resins and were dense and smooth. The alignments and joint were kept uniform and tight respectively using the sheets measuring 1.2 m by 2.4 m that formed the guides. The forms produced a smooth finish which was part of the architect's intention.
Overcoming Extreme Temperature Conditions
Another challenge that slowed down the construction process was the extreme temperature condition in the city. This essentially affected the consistency of the color of concrete as the sun's heat transformed further the concrete. The build up of the heat of hydration was detrimental to the walls in the massive structure as it could result in increased cracking. The specified temperature for the placement was to be 29.4 degrees Celsius (85 degrees Fahrenheit). The specification was met by undergoing some measures that were extraordinary and included the aggregate heating during winter and cooling the aggregate and mix water during summer by use of liquid nitrogen.
Specialization and Expertise
The architectural teams were briefed on the design to make them to be familiar with the specific requirements and practices that were demanded by the project. The functionally of the different processes and aspects were also outlined. Pei encouraged specialization and the different individuals participating in the construction process were encouraged to undertake specified tasks over and over again. This makes them expert in their field and ensure that the construction work task place as scheduled and in accordance with the laid procedure.
A Lasting Legacy
The building has stood the test of time and many years after its construction it has remained structurally sound in terms of its design. The methodical practice in consistency and control assisted in the attainment of a uniform texture and color in the final structure. The building has been instrumental in its intention and has appealed many in terms of its uniqueness and structural functionality. The building was crucial in the revival mission in the Dallas city helping it restore its dignity and pride.
Work Cited
Amberg, Ted and Fling, Russell S., “Designing in Concrete,” Concrete Forming, Vol. III, No 1.
Papademetriou, Peter, “Angling for a Civic Monument,” Progressive Architecture, May 1979.
Pastier, John, “Bold Symbol of a City’s Image of Its Future,” AIA Journal, Mid-May, 1978.
Rosenlund, Jack E., “Use of Shrinkage compensating Concrete in the Dallas Municipal Center,” from Cedric Willson Symposium on Expansive Cement, Publication SP-65, American Concrete Institute, Detroit MI, 1980.
Wiseman, Carter, I.M. Pei: A Profile in American Architecture, revised edition, Harry N. Abrams, New York, 2001.
