Didyaknow that Salt Lake City-based 3Form Inc’s architectural resin panels are featured in Cirque du Soleil’s LOVE? You’ll find these panels at the entrance to LOVE’s theater; each step activates neon-colored lights in a custom glass and acrylic floor. Creating these panels wasn’t easy and you’ll find more about the construction of these panels by visiting the 3-Form Website (www.3-form.com) or by visiting the following link: Cirque du Soleil Case Study: MCA-Mirage Cirque du Soleil
Highlights of the case-study are as follows:
- Architect: Marnell Corrao
- 3 different materials are used in the construction of the panels: Starphire Glass, Ecoresin, and Acrylic
- ecoresinâ„¢ is made from spectar PETG co-polyester resin with 40% post-industrial recycled content, and is also a non-toxic, non-offgassing material used in architectural and designer applications (from their FAQ)
- 3Form developed the process required for laminating the flat and curved panels to produce a clarity, light, and strength that is unique
- Each panel is cut to size by a waterjet machine, digitally programmed for precision cutting
- The panels are lit using LED lighting panels that slide in behind or beneath the panel installations
- Each panel is removable thanks to a custom-made mechanical attachment, created to keep the seamless illumination of panels
- The panels can withstand up to 2700 pounds per square foot and a deflection (bending) of .45″ before shattering. This is well above the 200 pounds per square foot requirement
- Even when the panel does fail, only the bottom 1/4″ is broken, allowing the illusion to continue until a new one can be fabricated
- Each panel has a fritted surface to comply with Las Vegas’s non-skid floor code requirements
{ Source: Salt Lake Tribune / 3Form architectural }
