ONLINE EXCLUSIVE the other sides,” says Logan. “We didn’t want the odd shape to detract from the office buildings—we wanted to complement and enhance the character of the campus.” Aztec Architects introduced “horizontal, undulating precast concrete ribbons on each spandrel panel,” says Baumann. “These precast waves have amplitudes at varying frequencies along the façade but were calculated to seamlessly cross each joint with smooth continuity.” Based on their shadow studies, the angle of the sun and interior lighting create different “vignettes” across the façade, says Logan. The use of minimal materials and colors combined with bright off-white precast concrete, ensured the new structure does not com-pete with the surrounding buildings but creates a subtle backdrop for the pedestrian plaza. PROJECT SPOTLIGHT Location: Nutley, N.J. METRO ON3 PARKING GARAGE Owner: Prism Capital Partners LLC, Nutley, N.J. Architect: Aztec Architects, Iselin, N.J. Contractor: Prism Construction Management, Nutley, N.J. Engineer: Harrison-Hamnett, Pennington, N.J. PCI-Certified Precast Concrete Producer: Dailey Precast, Shaftsbury, Vt. Precast Concrete Components: Double tees, spandrels, columns, beams, slabs, litewalls, wall panels, stairs BIM View With the building information model (BIM) tracking the progres-sion through design, fabrication, delivery, and installation, the project team kept tight control on this large project. Visualizing construction sequencing and fit up allowed all the players to antic-ipate and avoid conflicts and maintain schedules. Top: A crane sets double tees during construction of the seven-level structure. Bottom: Viewed from below, the undulating ribbon pattern on each spandrel introduces movement as the ever-changing light moves across the façade. BIM played a large part in visualizing the nuances of the project, especially because in the planning stages the project expanded in footprint, size, and height and ultimately evolved into a seven-sto-ry parking structure. “Being able to quickly show the client what these changes looked like was helpful,” says Baumann. The goal of the entire campus is mixed use, incorporating a live, work, play environment. Within the parking structure itself there were modifications to accommodate uses other than storing vehi-cles. The inherent fire rating, strength, and durability of the system allowed the design team to incorporate a storage space as well as a potential vehicle maintenance facility. A cast-in-place concrete topping and waterproofing on the precast concrete deck were add-ed to designated areas. With alternative uses in mind, openings for future doors and vents were cast into the precast concrete walls. The space can easily be enclosed by simply infilling the openings between span-drels with ribbon windows if the need arises. The northern elevator lobby was designed to receive a future pedestrian bridge from the adjacent office tower without affecting the precast concrete struc-ture or spandrels. After a decade of planning and rebuilding, more than 100 acres sandwiched between the Garden State Parkway and the New Jer-sey Turnpike has risen from the ashes. Prism Capital Partners has reimagined the space into the ON3 mixed-use project. The Metro ON3 precast concrete parking structure played its part in revitaliz-ing this previously dormant and underused site. Precast concrete components were flexible enough to accommodate the irregular footprint and able to span a steam tunnel below grade. The mixed-use setting integrates offices, research and development facilities, and educational, recreational, and hospitality spaces as it contin-ues to evolve.
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