Florida Gulf Coast University Entry Monuments

A 75-foot-tall tilt-up tower provides the focal point for Florida Gulf Coast University's main entrance. Compound miters were used extensively throughout, particularly in the top three slanted wall panels. Panels were stacked, and a total of four lifts of panels and columns were constructed and joined using embed/weld plates as well as rebar splice sleeves. Integral off-white concrete was used as the finished product. Concrete color was matched to the stucco's color on existing academic buildings. The elimination of coatings and sealants minimized the potential for harmful VOCs to run off the surface into the neighboring lakes, aligning with the university's goal to promote sustainability. BIM modeling was used extensively to coordinate the location of embed plate, shape of panels, location of splice sleeve, clash detection and to illustrate the proper erection sequence. Adding to the aesthetic appeal, no connections for stainless-steel embeds and weld plates were visible from the outside for either the tower or sign.