"To achieve original tolerances, we had to modify the dimensions of structural steel connections," says Hatter. In other instances, Bischoff Glastechnik returned to the drawing board, re-fabricating glazed members.

While the fabricator incurred the additional costs, the time required for replacements pressured the schedule, prompting Michigan State to postpone the museum's opening by six months. The budget, however, remained intact, as team members completed work on a building many thought unbuildable.

The Eli & Edythe Broad Art Museum, East Lansing, Mich.

Key Players

Owner Michigan State University, East Lansing

GC Barton Malow, Southfield, Mich.

Designer Zaha Hadid Architects, London; Integrated Design Solutions, Troy, Mich.