Stage Canopy, Southern Gateway Park

Southern Gateway Park (soon to be Halperin Park) in Dallas, Texas is a transformative project built over the Interstate 35E freeway that aims to bridge the communities of Oak Cliff and downtown Dallas, areas historically divided by the highway. The 5.5-acre park, conceived as a "cap park," serves as a green space connecting neighborhoods and features amenities like playgrounds, an amphitheater, gardens, and water elements. Designed to foster social connection and address historical inequities, the park provides a safe, walkable environment and acts as a catalyst for economic revitalization in surrounding areas.

One end of the park is anchored by a distinctive stage canopy featuring an irregular hybrid timber structure. This canopy spans the stage with curved glulam arches, creating a flowing form clad in metal panels. Supported by concrete pedestals and grade beams, the structure spans approximately 56 feet with heights up to 30 feet. The lateral force-resisting system consists of moment connections at the arch bases and minimal cross-bracing for stability.

Curved steel purlins supporting the cladding tie the arches together and connect to the glulam, allowing for adjustments during installation (slated for early 2025). This design provides shade and acoustic enhancement for performances while showcasing creative structural engineering and construction techniques.