Bassetti Architects | Abbott Construction
Client: Bassetti Architects | FUMC Art Committee
Project: First United Methodist Church | Stainless Steel Cross | Design and Fabrication
Duration: 6 Months (Development through production)
BACKGROUND:
We were commissioned to create a twenty-foot tall stainless steel cross for the front facade of the new Seattle First United Methodist Church. At the time the church was still under construction.
The aesthetic and overall specifications came from the project architect at Bassetti Architects. We worked closely with him and the project manager from Abbott Construction to develop the design for fabrication and installation.
The modified I-beam structure was hand-built from 1/4-inch thick stainless steel flat bars. The vertical upright was formed out of 20-foot lengths joined at intersecting compound angles with full welds. To add visual texture, the front channels were lined with over 200 welded steel shapes. Modifications for lighting were made to the rear chase. Two brackets corresponding to the stationary building supports were also welded on the backside.
The structural mounts to support the cross protruded through the facade of the building, and brought connections to power and switching for the LED fixtures we installed in the rear chase. We were asked to attend to the installation, but the work was performed by Abbott Construction. We delivered it on a flatbed, and they craned it into position. The cross docked with the supports easily, and bolted in quickly without incident.
