Salas O’Brien Secures Recognition for Innovative Steel Design at Barclays Center

Salas O’Brien, a structural engineering firm based in Lakewood, Colorado, has been recognized by the Cold-Formed Steel Engineers Institute (CFSEI) for its outstanding design work on the Barclays Center's Modelo® Bridge and Fan Zone. This project earned the firm third place in the municipal category at CFSEI’s Annual Design Excellence Awards, highlighting the company's excellence in the use of cold-formed steel (CFS).

What Happened
Salas O’Brien's design for the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, is a key component of a $100 million renovation aimed at enhancing the venue's guest experience. Completed in 2025, the Modelo® Bridge and Fan Zone features a two-level, 6,800-square-foot standing-room platform deck. This innovative structure was designed to evoke the landmark bridges of New York City, using authentic materials and cabling to integrate a sense of urban identity into the arena. The structural engineering team from Salas O’Brien provided design solutions for the CFS framing of this project, which included complex challenges such as coordinating occupancy and construction loading conditions. The final design successfully managed in-plane axial loads, lateral bracing, and load transfers to support the structural integrity of the project.

What This Means for Your Business
For AECM professionals, Salas O’Brien’s recognition underscores the growing importance of innovative structural solutions in the competitive landscape of architectural design and construction. The use of cold-formed steel not only demonstrates technical ingenuity but also aligns with sustainability trends, offering a lighter, more efficient alternative to traditional steel construction. This recognition by CFSEI could position Salas O’Brien as a preferred partner for future projects requiring cutting-edge engineering solutions, potentially influencing procurement strategies and competitive bidding processes. Furthermore, firms engaged in government and municipal projects might consider the advantages of CFS for enhancing structural performance while meeting evolving compliance and sustainability standards.

What US Operators Should Watch
Professionals in the sector should note the increasing recognition and application of cold-formed steel in large-scale projects. Staying informed about advancements in CFS technology and design can offer competitive advantages. Additionally, tracking similar award programs and industry expos, such as CFSEI’s annual conference, can provide insight into emerging trends and potential opportunities for collaboration or innovation in structural engineering.

Source: https://zweiglist.com/salas-obrien-recognized-for-excellence-in-cold-formed-steel-design/