re: Any Alex Box workers/architects in the know

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if the contractor wanted to change something he would first have to get the architects ok. the architect would need to get the owners approval and then the contractor needs to have the structual engineer approve the change.

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This is true...No change of this type could not be made without the owner's approval....This change could have actually been made after the rendering but before the bids.

Also, I agree with Helicopter...This is likely a structural element due to the fact they used an unusually large, heavy I-beam instead of a more aesthetic thin-walled decorative I-beam or box beam. Maybe a lighweight decorative, non supportive element will be applied to the exterior later. It would match the rendering and would mask any sight of the interior I-beam from outside view..

As a licensed Architect in Louisiana but not involved in the design or construction of the Box I can only offer these opinions:

1. The renderings you see are done fairly early in the design process and details often will change because of issues such as cost, code compliance, limitations of the materials or just simply best practices.

2. The owner (LSU) wanted a design change.

3. The project Architect didn't like the original design.

4. The storefront systems (windows)are required by the IBC 2006 building code to be "large missile impact resistant". Which means the testing agency shoots a 2x4 at the window unit and the window unit must remain intact. In order for that window to meet the code requirements it has to be installed in the same manner in which is was tested. It's possible that the building inspector or window manufacturer noted that the storefront was not tested as originally designed. By putting the steel beam behind the storefront it is no longer an element in the storefront installation and will be in code compliance.

5. Or it could be something else.

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You do realize that most of the people on this board are guys wondering how to clear up their zits before Saturday night?

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Can you help?! It's already Tuesday!


I think the architect posting about the missile resistant windows is the best you are going to do.

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Dude, you are trying to discuss Brain Surgery in Romper Room. You do realize that most of the people on this board are guys wondering how to clear up their zits before Saturday night? Give it up. Intelligent conversations are not an option.

Move along son, nothing to see here.

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I figured it could be a lost cause when I posted, but I had a little bit of hope someone would have an educated answer and Arkitek (and a couple of others) have given very reasonable answers. All is not lost in the Rant world.

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"large missile impact resistant".

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Glad you explained what this was ! I was beginning to question my safety at the new box ! :lol

Bet the Irvine AD wishes he had some "missle Resistant" glass on his car.

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, but based on my experience and observation over the years, the way the structure was built, thus not boxed-in to hide the fire protection, I deduce that it wasn't really a structual component. Either way, the main question is why is it not showing to the outside world (as rendered).

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Sounds like a good overview of the female bodies in the second pic, not some silly beam design/placement.

Actually this would pass the "large missile impact" test. Although the glass is broken, the windshield remained intact and the ball did not fully penetrate the glass.

The shattered glass performed exactly as it should have.

I must be missing something. Is there going to be a decorative/non structural beam installed over the glass? It's hard to tell from that distance.

Hmmmm...interesting.

What part of the stadium are you working on?