2011 Photo Gallery

Engineering Transformative Structures: Walter P Moore and Uni-Systems Inc.

This year's Zia Lecture features presentations and discussion with Bart Riberich, president of Uni-Systems, Inc., and Lee Slade, senior principal at Walter P Moore. These two distinguished engineers have built an unparalleled track record in developing and designing kinetic structures, including several of North America's most breathtaking retractable roof stadiums. These photos feature some of their most spectacular projects.

See details of this September 26, 2011 event.

Select an image to enlarge it and activate the slide show.

Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, has a retractable roof and is the largest domed stadium in the world. Photo copyright Daryl Shields/HKS Inc. Cowboys Stadium features the world's largest operable glass doors and two quarter-mile-long arches that soar nearly 300 feet above the playing field. Photo copyright Blake Marvin/HKS Inc. The opened glass end zone doors at Cowboys Stadium. Photo copyright Blake Marvin/HKS Inc. The rack and pinion tractor mechanization equipment at Cowboys Stadium. Photo courtesy of Uni-Systems, Inc. Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind., features a retractable roof and a window wall, allowing the hometown Indianapolis Colts to play indoors and outdoors. Photo copyright Blake Marvin/HKS Inc. The retractable roof at Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas, retracts completely off the ballpark, leaving the largest open area of any retractable-roofed baseball stadium in existence today. Photo copyright The Positive Image. The field at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Arizona can be moved outside and exposed to sunlight when not in use. Photo copyright Aaron Dougherty/HOK. The retractable roof at University of Phoenix Stadium can open in 12 minutes. Photo copyright Aaron Dougherty/HOK. Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas, was the first facility in the National Football League to have a retractable roof when it opened in 2002. Photo copyright Russ Andorka.

About the Lecture Series

The Paul Zia Distinguished Lecture Series was established in 2002 to honor the accomplishments and contributions of Dr. Paul Zia to the civil engineering profession, particularly in the concrete and structural engineering fields. Dr. Zia, Distinguished University Professor Emeritus of Civil Engineering at North Carolina State University, is a member of the National Academy of Engineering and a former head of the Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering at NC State. He is recognized as one of the world's foremost authorities on concrete structures. In 2006, the American Concrete Institute (ACI) honored Dr. Zia for his lifetime achievements. He is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Lamme Medal from the American Society for Engineering Education, the Alexander Quarles Holladay Medal for Excellence, the Alcoa Foundation Distinguished Engineering Research Award, the ASEE Centennial medallion, and the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the University of Florida. Dr. Zia joined the NC State faculty in 1961.

Zia Lecture Series Committee members include alumni and partners Mike Creed (McKim & Creed), Don Kline (retired KimleyHorn), Valoree Eikinas (Mulkey Engineering) and Pam Townsend (AECOM Technical Services, Inc.).

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