Cathay Pacific Redefines Outdoor

If you’ve been to Hong Kong International Airport recently, you may well have noticed an unusual and imposing structure being erected on a triangle of land close to the terminal complex.

Reaching up to 19 meters in height this giant array of 3 ‘sail like’ structures serves as a landmark, welcoming travelers and residents of Hong Kong alike. The sail icon was commissioned by Cathay Pacific to serve as a unique landmark for their base of operations.

The sail array was chosen for many reasons, primarily it appealed to Cathay Pacific because its design reflected the beauty and freedom of aerodynamic shapes. The curve of a wing and the shape of a tailfin are obvious influences in the finished forms.

The sails appear as simple, three-dimensional curved shapes. Yet the engineering required to support the structures was deceptively complex, due to the restrictions imposed by the Hong Kong Airport Authority and the enormous typhoon wind loads that effect the airport.

OE was employed in this project to completely project manage the engineering, fabrication, erection of the structures and imaging of the sails. The project was finally completed to the great satisfaction of all involved in May 2002. Our success in this unique project came through combining the dedication and experience of Outdoor Elements personnel, the engineering knowledge of Skyspan Pacific and the print technology of MMT.

"Outdoor Elements has engaged in many challenging projects in both Australia and Asia, however this was our most interesting and technically challenging project so far". Jason Kerr – Managing Director and Project Chief.

Cathay Pacific Redefines Outdoor

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