Creating Transformational Space March 23, 2017

Erleen Hatfield, PE, AIA, LEED AP
Partner at Burro Haphold

The new Mercedes Benz Stadium for the Atlanta Falcons will seat 75,000 spectators and feature a roof opening that has no precedent. Eight unique roof petals cantilever up to 200’ and move to open the retractable roof creating a camera lens like effect. Another first of its kind is the nearly 5 story tall, 360-degree HD video “Halo board”, which will be the largest video board in the world. An overview of the sophisticated engineering to create the 730’ long span structural steel framing to the make these innovations possible will be presented, along with a discussion on the importance of the advanced use of BIM and fabrication modelling.

Erleen Hatfield, PE, AIA, LEED AP is a Partner of Buro Happold, a global multi-disciplinary engineering consulting firm, and is based in New York.  She has over 25 years of experience in the structural design of a wide range of complex projects including sports facilities, high-rise, cultural, residential, and academic buildings. She is both a licensed structural engineer and architect.  She frequently lectures on technology and innovation in the building design and construction industry. With a focus on integrated engineering and the use of innovative technology, she plays a hands-on role in ensuring a high level quality in Buro Happold’s high profile engineering projects. She is an advocate of 3D technology to improve the design and delivery process.  She currently is the Principal in Charge of the Mercedes Benz Stadium, home of the Atlanta Falcons football team and new Atlanta FC soccer team. She sits on numerous national industry committees including the American Society of Civil Engineers, Committee on the Design of Steel Buildings, a trustee of the Beverly Willis Foundation, and is an executive board member of the Applied Technology Council – a non-profit that funds industry research. In addition, she teaches graduate architecture classes at Yale University and gives regular lectures at Pratt University.   Some of her notable projects include the World Trade Center Memorial Museum, The Tower at PNC, the Atlanta Falcons New Retractable Roof Stadium, the School of Management at Yale University, the Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska and the Abu Dhabi Media Zone.  She was honored by the Professional Women in Construction in 2013, named a Game Changer in 2014 and a Power Player in 2015 both by Sports Business Journal magazine.