20 May 2015, 08:00
Photographs by Colin Winterbottom Highlight Scaffold and Access Solutions
The National Building Museum is presenting an exhibit of photographs by Colin Winterbottom, documenting post-earthquake repairs on two of the nation’s most recognizable architectural icons — the Washington Monument and the Washington National Cathedral. The exhibition, entitled "Scaling Washington: Photographs by Colin Winterbottom," prominently features the remarkable custom access techniques provided by Safway Services among approximately 100 large-format color, black and white, and sepia-toned images. Safway is a leading provider of scaffold, access and industrial service solutions. The exhibition, which combines Winterbottom’s inspired, atmospheric imagery with finely textured documentary photographs, transforms “scaffolding from an industrial eyesore into a geometrically complex set of rhythms that accentuate the architecture.”
Safway designed and engineered the award-winning access and scaffold solutions for the National Cathedral, which allowed the facility to remain open for worship, tours and other daily activities throughout the two-year interior phase of the project. By using a HAKI® truss product, which can span as much as 45 feet across, masonry repairs could take place more than 80 feet above the floor, while pews and other public areas below remained in use. Rolling scaffolds were erected on the elevated platforms to provide access to all areas of the curved ceiling and stained glass windows.
Providing access to the area above the “crossing” of the church, where the nave and great choir intersect the transepts was also challenging. There was no ledge on which to rest anything, and the cathedral’s leadership insisted that no support equipment be placed on the church floor in this area. By using QuikDeck®, a modular, rigid suspended access system, Safway was able to meet the specified requirements, while delivering a highly efficient and safe access solution.
Scaling Washington marks Winterbottom’s debut museum exhibition and will remain on view through January 3, 2016. The exhibit is made possible by generous support from DAVIS Construction; Grunley Construction Company, Inc.; Universal Builders Supply Inc.; Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc.; Holland & Knight LLP; Safway Services, LLC; Lorton Stone, LLC; and the Director’s Exhibition Fund.