“Skylar” structures commemorate fallen soldiers

Every U.S. Navy aviator, flight officer and enlisted air crewman trains at the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Fla., and many who served made the ultimate sacrifice. To commemorate military personnel lost in battle, NAS Pensacola commissioned Fabric Architecture, Gloucestershire, England, to design a symbol of soaring flight that would inspire trainees and visitors. The configuration of three “Skylar” structures, each 40 feet high, gives the NAS a stunning entrance feature that makes a statement.

The skylars have a kite shape, and the tensile fabric structures were arranged in a circle to ensure that they would be visibly appealing from multiple perspectives and viewing locations. The framework consists of high-yield steel members, heavy-duty stainless steel marine rigging and a tough marine paint finish to hold up to corrosive sea air. The mesh canopies give a solid visual impression, but have 16 percent open area to lighten the load on the framework while lessening resistance to winds that can reach 150 mph during hurricanes.