The exterior is constructed with a terra-cotta screen wall supported by precast concrete panels. The precast panels were fabricated with distinctive architectural forms, creating dramatic shadows and a strong image of stability and permanence. The longer panels were post-tensioned, which is not a common practice for architectural panels, to limit shrinkage, transport, and thermal cracking. Hidden connections were utilized to allow the architectural components to be supported without exposed steel hardware. The precast components were fabricated with embedded hardware to receive a steel chevron bracing system in the transverse direction. The bracing is hidden behind the terra-cotta screen wall.
This project marks the first use of this steel bracing system in conjunction with a precast structure.
