Millimetre

Gladiator

Dreamworks

01

Shade canopies for the coliseum [Malta]

The canopies consisted of a 70M long 25mm diameter catinary cable with 46 no 15mm diameter cables that returned to the scaffold structure from the catinary. The shading membrane was attached to these cables using quick links each membrane in turn having a pulley system, this system allowed rope access operatives to roll out and roll up the canopies as and when desired.

The catinary was fixed to 2 No. large masts [20M tall approximately 200mm diameter] these in turn were attached to two 40ft containers filled with sand, with ˜tie down' cables.

The results of these shades can be seen clearly in the film, in the main arena on the steps of the coliseum.

The engineering and design of the structure was carried out by Marc Thomas and Paul Romain, Production manager Marc Thomas.