Curved Shading System in Museum of Motion Pictures | Draper

The new Academy Museum of Motion Pictures building is located in the May Company department store, it features a tailored Draper shading solution used to keep the attention-grabbing large glass dome shaded and cool. The dome houses a 1,000-seat theatre and enables views of the Hollywood Hills from the open-air Dolby Family Terrace.

Solar Control Challenge

The main concern when designing a giant glass dome was solar heat buildup and glare. As the solar control solutions product manager explained, the project is as if you are out in the California sun and somebody places a glass dish over you. Since window shades tend to be two-dimensional, a way needed to be found to get around the limitations presented by the curved dome. In addition to the increased expectations of a high profile, there was an added layer of complexity in the unique design from architecture groups Renzo Piano Building Workshop and Gensler.

The Shading Solution

The Draper Solar Control Solutions team came up with a system involving several small, tensioned skylight shades that match the mullions of the dome’s metal support structure, thus creating a way to shade the dome curving in multiple directions.

There are two ways for the Draper motorized units to be deployed: at the touch of a button, or react automatically to the sun.

Draper Roller Shades are manufactured in the USA using primarily USA-woven fabrics from Phifer and Mermet, ensuring a simple and direct supply chain that gives Draper maximum control over fast deliveries and product availability.