“To minimize joints (ergonomic bumps) we wanted big glass pieces,” Ludvik explains, “but we had to rely on the services of two glass suppliers due to their respective capabilities. The various panels are made up of three plies of 10 mm low-iron (fully tempered or chemically strengthened) glass, sandwiching two layers of 1.52 mm (60 mil) SentryGlas® interlayer. We simply couldn’t have the slide’s aesthetics deteriorating after a short time, which would require shutdown and maintenance, so we had to get the very best performing interlayer material we could.” This meant that, coupled to the clarity of SentryGlas®, its edge performance was an important consideration. “The appeal of the slide is that it delivers unobstructed views,” Ludvik elaborates, “thanks to the design of the supports and way the glass panels are fabricated and mounted with exposed edges. SentryGlas® was also chosen for its clarity and edge stability. Thanks to the high performance of the SentryGlas interlayer, supporting structures are kept to a minimum leaving virtually unobstructed views of the LA skyline | Photo: © M.Ludvik Engineering This decision was made primarily for its composite action and structural capabilities, which deliver hightemperature stiffness and impressive post-breakage stability ― if glass breaks it will still hold significant loads.” “We knew we not only had to offer strength, but also clarity, so we made the decision go with SentryGlas® ionoplast interlayers from Trosifol™. The glass used in its construction was a vital element of the slide’s functional and aesthetic performance. “There is a large amount of redundancy built into the structure,” he continues, “and it has been tested to a safety factor of eight, with the equivalent of three subway car’s weight being supported during testing.” “Due to LA’s location in a seismic zone, the tower can actually oscillate by as much as 20 ft (6 m) during an earthquake, so the slide itself had to be designed like a machine rather than a structure, where the glass is allowed to articulate in sympathy with any building movements. “This was a fascinating project,” explains Michael Ludvik. L udvik Engineering to assess the feasibility of the slide and to put the design, development, fabrication and testing of the idea into motion. Gensler, the architect tasked with the redevelopment of the Skyspace observation deck, called upon the services of structural engineers M. We now offer visitors a completely unique experience in LA, which has proved incredibly popular, with many thousands of people going down the slide in the first year.” This idea very soon gained considerable traction and the decision was made. We didn’t want to duplicate other attractions, and in a meeting somebody suggested ‘a slide over the abyss’.
#Skyscraper slide windows#
We have already seen tilted windows and a glass ledges in other buildings in the US, so we had to do something a little different. The slide – which is 1,000 ft (305 m) above ground level, offering its riders a unique take on the city – has SentryGlas® ionoplast interlayers from Trosifol™ to thank for the outstanding clarity, strength and environmental performance of the glass used in its construction.Īccording to Peter Johnston, Senior Vice President, Communications at OUE USA: “When we first decided to do observation deck we knew we had to put in thrill feature. As well as offering commanding views of the city and surrounding areas, visitors have the opportunity to ride down a glass slide between the two floors of the observation deck. (OUE)) has an impressive presence on the Los Angeles skyline, being the city’s second tallest building.Īlready a major landmark, its popularity was recently bolstered in 2016 with the opening of the OUE Skyspace, an observation deck on the building’s 69th and 70th floor. Bank Tower (formerly Library Square and owned by Overseas Union Enterprise Ltd. Often used in establishing shots for major Hollywood blockbusters, the U.S.
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