A view of one gerberette as it attaches over the main exterior column, connecting the primary truss system to the vertical support system and also forming the end connection for the X bracing system along the facade. This shot is taken at the rear of the building so the mechanical service runs (in blue) can also be seen.

An oversized bolt and nut system are used to hold the gerberette in place on the column. The building has a painted finish. This was the result of cost cutting in the construction, a stainless finish was desired but not afforded. In the end it has resulted in maintenance issues for the building which is in continuous need of refinishing to maintain a relatively clean appearance to the white paint.

Here a major bracing member at the ground floor attaches to the end of the gerberette. The hollow round members of the brace are capped by a cast U shaped member that must attach through the end of the gerberette. The geometry of the connection as well as the erection sequence must be taken into consideration when desiging something this complex.

A view of the major X brace at the rear corner of the building (end connection detail immediately above). This view gives a good idea of the scale of these members when viewed in comparison to human scale. The gerberette/column/X bracing interface has remained consistent at the ground level but its design has foreseen the need to make this unique connection.

A close view of the centre of the X bracing. There are two X braces in this detail, one immediately behind the front one visible in the photo. The central component is cast and the round hollow members welded to this connector. This provides the cleanest and most stable means to create this connection. Some economy is achieved by allowing the meeting of the members to remain expressed. You can see the slight setback as the tube leave the connection.

The connection of the X brace to grade. The ends of the round HSS members have been fitted with cast ends similar to those used at the upper end of the brace. Here it can be seen that the pair of X braces have been resolved into a single gase connector that uses pin connections on each side of the connection. This simplifies as well as stabilizes the base condition.