10/21/2026
The Ombrae screen for SAIT is the first of its kind anywhere in the world. At the time of completion, it was one of the largest, graphic design treatment of a single non-repeating image ever completed on a building exterior internationally. Critical to the design process of the parkade screen was the collaboration between architect, artist, manufacturer and installer in developing a new innovative panel system which would not only provide a screen against the elements, but also form a piece of art.
Our team worked with artist Roderick Quin’s ‘Ombrae’, a pixelated image reproduction system that had, at that time, only been used in small-scale, wall-mounted interior artwork applications. Working with Ombrae and a metal cladding installer, we were able to upsize the technology to a 4' x 4' clear anodized aluminum panel.
The team produced several full size mock ups to evaluate the gauge of the steel, the size of the "pixels", and the angle of the tabs mechanical transparency. The team achieved the most robust and cost-effective solution—3/4" diameter punched tabs angled at around 30 degrees with varied connection points— by testing through multiple panel manufacturers. This building-scale technology has since become a new product line for the awarded manufacturer .
Images: .lehoux
