Gwinnett County’s vision to expand and modernize the Gas South District Convention Center marked a new chapter for the 118-acre campus in Duluth, Georgia. The project included a comprehensive renovation and expansion of the existing exhibit hall, ballroom and theater, along with the addition of open-air courtyards and a lakeside terrace. At the center of the transformation is a two-story entrance pavilion that establishes a clear arrival experience while connecting indoor and outdoor spaces. A sweeping glass curtain wall and architectural precast concrete facade, paired with a porte-cochère, create a welcoming and durable focal point for the campus.

Designed by SMALLWOOD, the pavilion’s architectural precast was developed in close collaboration with Wells early in the design process. Using BIM modeling, the Wells team worked alongside the architect to translate a conceptual vision into a buildable facade system. The result is a curvilinear composition of convex and concave panels arranged in a ribbonlike pattern that animates the exterior. As daylight shifts throughout the day, light and shadow move across the surface, giving the facade a sense of motion and depth. “We dreamed that the precast concrete might be articulated in such a way that it would not only be substantial — but also delightful,” said Andy Amor, AIA, Associate at SMALLWOOD.