THE SUN COURT AT DISNEY`S CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE, ANAHEIM, CA

In late September of 1999, Carlson and Co., a top flight fabricator of blue-chip public art projects, approached EEI with the request for our assistance in preparing a bid package in order that they could win a contract to fabricate the very large Sun Icon and it`s attendant Heliostat Towers that were to be the entry way into Disney`s newest theme park in Anaheim, California.

The project was to be based entirely on a conceptual painting by Disney designer Tim Delany and was to consist of a 50 foot diameter sun disk hovering magically over a 6 foot wave fountain. Using our unique approach to design and analysis we were able to complete preliminary design and finite element analysis of the entire structure in one week, in time for Carlson and Co. to complete their bid package and win the contract !

EEI then went on to complete and finalize the design, finite element analysis and calculations for this unique and complex structure. Our contract included design and calculations for the foundation, it`s interface with the fountain, design and analysis of the 35 foot tall heliostst towers, and shop drawings for all components of the Sun Court ensemble.

It was a "Build to Print" proposition for our client and we brought it in on time and within budget. But most importantly we gave Disney an elegant engineering solution to a creative design, one that minimized the visual impact of the structure while enhancing the impact of the art.