Collaboration and innovation are at the core of everything we do at Entech, and our partnership with Practical Imagination exemplifies what can be achieved when creative vision meets technical expertise. Practical Imagination, a leader in themed environment fabrication, is renowned for creating immersive experiences that seamlessly combine artistry, precision engineering, and functionality. Together, we brought the vision of “Space Rings” to life, delivering a unique and captivating icon piece for Pigeon Forge.
What We Did
For the Space Rings project, Entech worked closely with Practical Imagination to ensure the scenic concept not only achieved its stunning aesthetic but also met the structural and safety demands of a complex build. Our team provided design-engineering and fabrication services, creating a robust yet visually striking solution that upheld the artistic vision of the project.
The scope of work included the design, engineering, fabrication, and installation of large steel rings mounted on the exterior of an existing building. These rings were designed to give the appearance of levitation, adding a bold, futuristic touch to the structure. However, the project came with its challenges, demanding precision and ingenuity from our team at every step.
Challenges
One of the primary challenges involved verifying the structural details of the existing building, particularly the elevator shaft where the rings would be mounted. With limited original construction information available, we conducted additional site surveys and collaborated closely with Practical Imagination and key stakeholders to ensure accurate measurements and safe installation. Precision was critical, as our installation required penetrating the elevator shaft’s exterior wall using Hilti anchors.
The confined installation area added another layer of complexity, with overhead power lines presenting significant safety risks. To address this, our team designed modular rings that could be assembled near the tower and then carefully rigged and hoisted into place. This modular approach not only ensured safety but also streamlined the installation process. Entech's engineers played a pivotal role in calculating the exact center of gravity for the structural beams supporting the suspended rings, ensuring the stability and balance of the entire installation.
Fabrication
Fabrication was another essential component of the project’s success. The rings were crafted from rolled C-channel steel sections, precisely shaped by a trusted vendor to meet exact specifications. Laser-cut components were welded to create strong and visually seamless assemblies. To ensure every detail was correct, the team constructed a full-scale mockup of the elevator shaft based on site measurements. This allowed for test-fitting the rings, verifying dimensions, and confirming the center of gravity before the assemblies were packed and transported to Tennessee.
Installation required meticulous coordination with both the customer and the local utility company, which installed protective covers over the nearby high-voltage power lines. Despite these precautions, our team adhered to strict safety protocols throughout the rigging process. Once the rings were hoisted into position, attachment points were verified, structural integrity was confirmed, and final alignment ensured the installation achieved its intended aesthetic and functional goals.
Final Product
Andrew Curran of Practical Imagination emphasized the importance of collaboration in projects like these, stating, “We lean on companies like Entech because they understand that design isn’t just about form and function—it’s about ensuring every step is intelligently planned for the safety and success of the project.”
This project reflects our commitment to delivering innovative engineering solutions that turn ambitious concepts into reality. Feeling inspired? Please reach out below and get in contact with our team!
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