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Meow Wolf Denver | Convergence Station (as featured in Unstruct) Location: Denver, Colorado Area: 90,000 SF Status: Complete Year: 2021 Architect: SAR+ Structural Engineer: KL&A Engineers & Builders Project Client: Revesco Properties, Meow Wolf Photography: Jess Blackwell, Parrish Ruiz de Velasco, SAR+, Meow Wolf Meow Wolf Denver, also known as Convergence Station is located in Denver, CO. Meow Wolf is an art and entertainment company that brings imagination to life with elaborate, immersive, multi-story exhibits inside. The building itself was constructed in a tight pie-shaped footprint with only 10 feet of clearance between the road and building in some locations, presenting unique design challenges. Revesco Properties is the lead developer of the River Mile Master Plan, which includes Meow Wolf Denver. This innovative arts organization aligned seamlessly with the district’s visionary objectives. They hired SAR+ to tackle this groundbreaking design project. SAR+ evaluated various site options to find a solution that would harmonize with Meow Wolf’s mission while ensuring long-term development potential for the expansive site. The chosen location, intricately woven within the surrounding highway infrastructure, not only met these goals but this unconventional land use sets a high creative standard for future developments. Meow Wolf Denver provides a platform for a distinctive architectural expression while using innovative architectural and design strategies to deal with an area that has significant infrastructure constraints. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sx6-eLFEI9w Additional Project Details: Peter Kelly, PE, a Project Manager with KL&A was over the structural design portion of this project, and Michael Olsen, PE, the Detailing Manager with KL&A was responsible for the detailing and construction support of this building. Together, they provide valuable insight into the challenges and solutions involved in constructing Meow Wolf Denver in a recent episode of Unstruct.  Listen to discover the innovative strategies used to make this project a success and learn more about the design and construction of this unique and fascinating building.    Utilizing Complex Structural Systems: Meow Wolf – Denver has Become an Engineering Marvel One of the primary challenges in construction is designing and implementing complex structural systems that ensure the safety and stability of a building. The Meow Wolf project team demonstrated true ingenuity through: 1. Parametric Design: The project team embraced parametric design, a cutting-edge approach that uses algorithms to generate complex geometries. This method allowed them to optimize the structural components for both aesthetics and functionality. By fine-tuning parameters, they achieved designs that were not only visually striking but also structurally robust. 2. Advanced Material: Innovation often involves using materials in unconventional ways. In this project, the team explored advanced materials like carbon fiber composites and high-strength steel, pushing the boundaries of what was traditionally possible. These materials provided the necessary strength while reducing the overall weight of the structure. 3. BIM Technology: Building Information Modeling (BIM) played a pivotal role in the project’s success. It allowed for real-time collaboration among architects, engineers, and contractors, ensuring that the complex structural elements were executed precisely as designed. This technology also facilitated clash detection, minimizing construction errors.   Detailed Construction Planning also Played a Key Role The significance of meticulous construction planning in overcoming challenges was at the forefront of this construction project with the project team utilizing: 1. Digital Twins: Creating digital twins of the project site and structures was a game-changer. These digital replicas allowed the team to simulate and analyze various construction scenarios before physically executing them. It minimized risks, reduced costs, and improved project timelines. 2. Lean Construction: Lean construction principles were embraced, emphasizing the elimination of waste and inefficiencies. The team meticulously analyzed every step of the construction process, optimizing resource allocation and scheduling to ensure maximum efficiency. 3. Risk Management: Construction projects are inherently risky. The project team used sophisticated risk management techniques to identify potential issues and develop mitigation strategies. This proactive approach prevented costly setbacks and delays. 4. Collaboration and Communication: Effective communication and collaboration were at the heart of the project’s success. The team regularly conducted interdisciplinary meetings and shared real-time updates using digital platforms, ensuring everyone was on the same page. While construction projects are becoming increasingly ambitious, it is essential to push the boundaries of what is possible and still maintaining a strong focus on precision and ingenuity. It’s clear that innovation and attention to detail will continue to be the driving forces behind groundbreaking projects like Meow Wolf Denver that redefine what can be achieved in the built environment.   All Construction Design Detail DraftingExteriorInteriorSketchesExteriorExteriorExteriorExterior DetailExterior DetailExteriorExteriorExterior DetailExterior DetailExterior DetailExterior DetailExterior DetailExterior DetailExterior DetailExteriorExterior ConstructionInterior ConstructionInterior ConstructionInteriorInteriorInteriorInteriorSketches Design DraftingSketches Design DraftingSketches Design Drafting About Meow Wolf Meow Wolf, based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, is a Public Benefit Corporation and B Corp renowned for creating immersive, interactive experiences that transport visitors into fantastical realms. Their first permanent installation, the House of Eternal Return, opened in March 2016 to widespread acclaim. This site features a multidimensional mystery house filled with secret passages, portals to magical worlds, and captivating art exhibits. Meow Wolf Denver continues this legacy, transforming spaces into extraordinary, otherworldly experiences, making it a fitting addition to the River Mile Master Plan. Related Projects, Products and Images BrandsFirmsKL&AMeow-WolfPortfoliosProductsProjectsSAR+Meow Wolf – Denver (Exterior) 3KL&AMeow-WolfSAR+Meow Wolf – Denver (Exterior) 2KL&AMeow-WolfSAR+Meow Wolf – Denver (Exterior) 1KL&AMeow-WolfSAR+