The model of of the band shell gives a very good impression of the finished design
Reflection on the outer surface of the glass
Glass and concrete form one smooth surface
The sunlight makes the acid-etched glass surface glow brightly
Node detail of the grid shell

 

 

The band shell just after completion on September 2002
Lens Ceiling

The Schubert Club Band Shell
Raspberry Island, St. Paul, Minnesota
Engineers: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, Chicago
Consulting engineers: Schlaich, Bergermann & Partners
2000-2002

The Schubert Club Band Shell is a delicate anticlastic shell system designed as a visual landmark for the city of St. Paul.  Sited on Raspberry Island, the work’s foundation is embedded in the island’s landscape and supports the translucent glass arch as it rises out of the ground.
This delicate roof structure is a double-curvature geometric form composed of glass and stainless steel that spans the wooden stage area and acts as a visual and acoustic framing device for performances.
During the day the Band Shell offers a faceted display of reflected and diffused sunlight while at night recessed lighting creates a glowing lantern effect in the midst of the Mississippi River.
Whether viewed by day or night the Schubert Club Band Shell captures the moment’s light for both spectator and performer and transforms this visually prominent site into a luminous landmark for the city of St. Paul.

The view down from Wabasha Street Bridge with the arcs of Robert Street Bridge in the background
Photomontage of the lit band shell on Raspberry Island in front of the skyline of St. Paul

The geometry of the grid shell is a torus which produces a lot of repetition in the structural elements and connection details since all of the pipes are segments of a circle, and the pipes spanning between the edge beams even have the same radius.
The roof structure consists of two layers of stainless steel pipes and diagonal stainless steel tension rods in between the pipes. The roof is stabilized by double curvature in the transverse direction, and by two stainless steel edge beams on either side in the longitudinal direction.
The structural elements are dimensioned in regard to the extremely high snow loads occurring in the North of the United States.
Based on the geometry of the grid shell, all of the glass panels are planar since all four corners are in one plane. They are fixed at their four corners by clamping plates standing off the longitudinal pipes. The glass panels do not transfer structural loads.

The inauguration of the Band Shell took place in September 2002.

James Carpenter, Richard Kress and Valerie Spalding (now of Carpenter/Lowings Architecture & Design) worked on this project as designers for JCDA.

The curved shape causes a transition of light levels on the acid-etched inner surface
Elevation and plan