Overview

Regarded as one of the UK's most enterprising universities, the University of Salford is opening a unique digital learning, teaching and research space located at MediaCity UK - the heart of six national BBC Departments. The development is based around all things media with a vision to create somewhere where people can live, work, study and visit.

Having heard about Fabric Architecture's recent internal installations at Dublin Airport and Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, The University of Salford approached us with an interesting design challenge:

The challenge was to create a structure that looked beautiful and created a unique first impression due to it's 'floating' appearance and location. Situated within the main entrance to the University, the structure had to reflect the creative nature of the building and it's purpose.

Under the Fabric Architecture umbrella, Fabric Interiors worked in partnership with Fairhurst Design Group to create 'The Ribbon', a 3D lightweight 'floating' sculpture. The canopy is artistic and sculptural and adds a splash of colour to the space, as well as having acoustic qualities.

The Ribbon is three long sections measuring: 4.5m, 12m and 5.5m in size. Made of a lightweight Fire Rated Internal Fabric, the Ribbon will utilise the same technology found in our new ArchiClad system. The structures will be suspended and achored by high-tech wires and strops in similar fashion to the ceiling system we created for Dublin Airport and the wall mounted fins found in Ferrari World.

Installation of the Ribbon is scheduled for May. Photos will be added upon completion.


Client: The University of Salford