The design of the Constellation Ice Cream shop was certainly an architectural challenge. From the simple concept of putting a glass kiosk under a replica wing, to hanging over the right of way, to positioning a 70 foot wing on a tight site, this project pushes the boundaries of what is possible creating a truly innovative form which we hope will have a lasting impression on the Stapleton Community.
The project draws on the roadside architecture movement seen in places like Las Vegas, Cadillac Ranch or Coney Island, and more recently events like Burning Man. In this case, the Constellation brings a celebration of long aeronautics history of the Stapleton Airport to the present. The goal is to turn heads and create an experience of getting ice cream like no other, while reminding us of the cultural history of this piece of land.
The biggest technical challenge was to insert just enough structural support into the wing shape without changing the replica airplane form of the Lockheed Constellation design. As one could imagine, the original structural design for a wing like this was very light weight and did not take into account things like snow, insulation, foundations and glass walls. We brought only a section of the original design down to earth and then had to get it to pass through a rigorous building code to become a building. The key design challenge was to allow it to keep its lightness and airy feel, accentuating the curves and complex shape of the wing form and still keep it tied to the ground during a heavy wind storm. In other words, we want your imagination to soar, while keeping the structure firmly grounded.
The design will owe credit to manufactures, artists and technical support in three countries outside the US, led by Arizona Model Aircrafters to ensure the design integrity of the airplane.