The size and scope of the $349-million, 1-million-sq-ft Global Center for Health Innovation and Cleveland Convention Center required creative thinking throughout all phases, including use of parametric modeling to develop precast paneling for exterior cladding. Similar to a mixing deck in a sound-recording studio, "sliding" inputs allowed designers to alter profile, depth and patterning to evaluate possible configurations.

Photo Courtesy of Maguire Photo
For the Global Center for Health Innovation and Cleveland Convention Center, planners employed parametric modeling to develop precast paneling for exterior cladding.
Photo Courtesy of Maguire Photo
Work on the Center was completed three months ahead of schedule and $96 million under budget.

Panels were then physically modeled with use of 3D-printed rubber molds. The same CAD files were shared with the fabricator to create full-size panels.

The project employed 3,300 construction workers across dozens of trades with no lost time due to accidents. Work was completed three months ahead of schedule and $96 million under budget.

Global Center for Health Innovation and Cleveland Convention Center, Cleveland

Key Players

Owner Merchandise Mart Properties Inc., Chicago

General Contractor Turner Construction Co., Cleveland

Designer LMN Architects, Seattle

Structural Engineer Osborn Engineering, Cleveland; Magnusson Klemencic Associates, Seattle

MEP Engineer Karpinski Engineering, Cleveland

Civil Engineer Osborn Engineering, Cleveland