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Palm Drive District - Shade Sail Installation

Palm Drive District - Shade Sail Installation
Grant Type
Mini Grant
Project Status
Completed
Award Period
FY2024
Awarded Amount
$5,000
Amount Used
$5,000

Project Description

The project will transform the north side of the building by introducing a strategically designed shade sail between the Civil and Electrical and Computing Engineering buildings. The project seeks to address the challenges posed by solar insolation on the ECE building while simultaneously creating a shaded, inviting space for students and faculty to relax and engage. The shade sail will be optimally located through meticulous consideration of incident sun daily and seasonally. It expects not only a tangible reduction in solar exposure on the ECE building, but also an enhanced campus environment that prioritizes both functionality and sustainability.

Project Outcomes

This project experienced numerous setbacks but also had an equal number of exciting changes throughout the project. While the shade sail is still yet to be installed as of the summer of 2025, the project team was able to solicit generous donations from the industry partners, J.B. Steel and Core Construction. Over time, the design was modified to allow it to be closer to the ECE building and provide substantially more shade. The project team anticipates that construction will take place early in the fall semester to be able to bring the students together and allow J.B. Steel to complete fabrication. They plan to work with their student team to schedule plant removal and complete site grading, conduct blue staking to avoid utilities, and order seating, signage, and sensors to complete the area. 

shade sail

Department
Civil and Architectural Engineering and Mechanics

Project Manager
Kevin Linsey

Project Manager (secondary)
Dean Papajohn

Categories
Energy
Social Sustainability (including Social/Environmental Justice)

Supporting Documents
Approved Budget
Final Budget