Parasol Awnings Wins International Award For Memphis Pyramid Project
Memphis, TN—Parasol Awnings recently won the IFAI Outstanding Achievement Award for their Memphis Pyramid canopy design and manufacturing project. The award was part of the Discover Expo ’97 Industrial Fabric & Equipment Exposition held October 12-14 in Nashville, TN. The event was sponsored by the Industrial Fabric Association International (IFAI).
Parasol Awnings’ Memphis Pyramid project was chosen for the award out of 323 entries. Over 115 companies from 13 countries submitted entries in the Discover ’97 Expo—making this the largest competition in the event’s history. The Pyramid canopy project was selected for its special design, construction, and difficulty of installation. The project will be featured in upcoming issues of Industrial Fabric Products Review and Fabrics & Architecture magazines.
The Memphis Pyramid project consisted of a unique, creative design and manufacturing of an 8,090 square foot canopy located at the Pyramid’s north and south entrances. According to Pyramid management, Victor Cohen, vice president of Leisure Management International, a canopy was a practical way to protect visitors from the elements as they entered the arena. "The canopy makes the Pyramid more inviting…it’s an asset that will last for years," Cohen said. The canopy was so well received that Leisure Management International is considering additional canopies for outside ticket windows and other entrances of the Pyramid. "We were very impressed with Parasol Awnings’ workmanship, dedication, and professionalism. In fact, they’re still following up to make sure everything is working properly…we’re excited about that type of service," Cohen said.
According to Brien Dunn, vice president of Parasol Awnings, ninety-five percent of the Pyramid canopy was manufactured at Parasol Awning’s shop and then transported to the Pyramid for installation. "Manufacturing the canopy at our shop allowed us to maintain much tighter quality controls over the entire project," Dunn said.
Dunn said the project was so unique that a scale model of the Pyramid canopy was constructed prior to manufacturing. The scale model helped Parasol Awnings foresee any problems. "We had to work around a few constraints and use our creativity," Dunn said. Pyramid management wanted to maintain the "pyramid look" in the canopy design. This was accomplished by sloping the ends of the canopy to the match the Pyramid. To insure that all sections would fit together when assembled on site, a unique staple construction method was used. Less than 1/2 inch tolerance was allowed. Another constraint was that the artwork on the Pyramid and plants on either side of the canopy had to be visible. "We had to design an overhang method between sections that gave an open-air look and also allowed airflow under the canopy to make visitors more comfortable," said Don Young, production manager for Parasol Awnings. A special gutter system was developed to handle water drainage where the Pyramid canopy sections met the frame. Young said the drainage problem was solved by running the water down the inside of the 4"x 4" steel posts that support the canopy. The gutter system and post assembly was contracted through Grinder Fabricating, Inc.Michael Folk, president of Parasol Awnings, attributes the project’s success to teamwork and a commitment to doing a superior job. "Everyone at Parasol Awnings showed their commitment to the project at every stage of production…it was a real team effort," Folk said.
The Industrial Fabric & Equipment Exposition is the largest annual event of the international fabrics industry. The Discover Expo draws more than 6,500 participants and 400 exhibitors from around the world. Participants are judged on design uniqueness and complexity.
This year’s event was that largest competition in its history. This world-class event has celebrated excellence in technical/industrial fabrics manufacturing and design since 1947--this year marking its 50th anniversary.
Parasol Awnings is a Memphis-based company that designs, manufactures and installs awnings, canopies, and screen products for the commercial and residential community. The firm has 14 employees and services the Mid South area. Clients include the Memphis Pyramid, Jitney Premier, Embassy Suites, Davis Kidd, Piggly Wiggly, Memphis City Schools, Marriott, Promus, Perkins Restaurant, and many others.
The Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) is a nonprofit trade association whose member companies represent all aspects of the international industrial and technical fabrics and textiles marketplace. Members’ products include fibers, fabrics, textiles, end-products, equipment and hardware. Member companies manufacture and supply products for the diverse range of industrial/technical fabric market segments, including architectural structures, awnings, automotive, banners and flags, casual furniture, geosynthetics, marine, medical, narrow fabrics, recreation, rental tents, safety and protection, tarps and truck covers, and transportation.