Waverider
Owen Melisek & Silas Clusiau
University of Waterloo
Amount
$2,000
Faculty Advisors
Terri Meyer Boake & Cam Parkin
The Waverider waterfront pavilion seeks to recreate the turbulent and dynamic surface created by waves on water. The use of hollow steel framing and buoyant masses allow the pavilion to surf and follow the movement of the waves by moving large shells in synchronization with the individual crests. Cables stretched above and below the walkway as well as large steel boxes and spires give the user the experience of being on, in and below the water.
Steel is generally perceived as being very heavy and poor at dealing with wet conditions but Waverider aims to show that with specific construction and anti-corrosion materials steel can be made to even float on top of the water. The long spans that leave the underside of the walkway open for mechanisms are only achievable with the strength and support of steel, proudly displaying the unimitable qualities of steel.
