RISA Customer Spotlight-TAIT

Building the Extraordinary

The transition from traditional building design to dynamic, entertainment-based projects presented some challenges for TAIT Towers. The team’s typical projects involved suspended structures like trusses and staging systems, which required a non-traditional approach. Drawing on Ryan’s extensive experience, TAIT engineers began experimenting with RISA-3D’s capabilities to accommodate these unique designs. Over time, the team developed a custom library of reusable components, or “Lego blocks,” that could be quickly imported and adapted to new projects.

A standout example of this innovation is the Wells Fargo Center scoreboard transformation in 2020. TAIT collaborated with general contractor, ANC, to design, build, and automate a futuristic centerpiece that redefined the audience experience. Featuring high-resolution LED screens visible from all directions, the scoreboard also includes crown trusses capable of vertical motion at speeds of 4 feet per second. Controlled with TAIT Navigator, these trusses allow seamless integration of motion, pyrotechnics, lighting, and video effects. Between thrilling moments, the scoreboard can tuck neatly into the grid, ready to dazzle again when called upon.

This project exemplified TAIT’s ability to streamline their design process, reduce analysis time, and deliver solutions that blend engineering precision with creative vision.

Getting Started

TAIT partners with artists, brands, IP holders and placemakers to bring culture-defining experiences to life. Innovating for over 45 years, TAIT has grown from pioneering concert staging to setting the global standard for extraordinary live experiences through audacious engineering and creative design. TAIT has developed iconic experiences on every continent, including partnerships with Taylor Swift, Nike, Google, Beyoncé, and The Olympics.

TAIT began its journey with RISA-3D when Ryan Kunkel, a long-time RISA user, joined the team. With over 15 years of experience using RISA-3D in building engineering, Ryan recognized the software’s potential to address TAIT’s unique needs. Initially, the team used RISA-3D for traditional building engineering applications, but as TAIT expanded its operations to include more specialized entertainment projects, it became clear that a more comprehensive solution was necessary.

Advancements with RISA

As TAIT Towers became more proficient with RISA-3D, the company’s use of the software expanded. The team started developing a robust library of custom components—ranging from trusses to lifts—that could be easily adapted and reused across different projects. This growing asset library allowed engineers to quickly scale up designs and make adjustments to pre-made models based on specific project requirements. For TAIT, the ability to rapidly prototype and modify components was crucial to handling the time-sensitive nature of entertainment projects, where fast turnaround times are the norm. By continuing to refine their approach, TAIT became better equipped to deliver high-quality designs quickly and efficiently.

Overcoming Challenges

One of the major challenges TAIT faced was adapting RISA-3D to fit the specialized needs of the entertainment industry. Unlike typical structural engineering projects, TAIT often dealt with non-standard designs like suspended staging systems, which required creative workarounds within RISA-3D. The team also faced pressure from the tight deadlines typical in the entertainment world, where projects could be completed in as little as three to four months. To overcome these obstacles, TAIT relied on a mix of trial and error, collaboration, and continuous learning. Internal communication played a key role, allowing engineers to share insights, update templates, and develop solutions that worked within the constraints of their high-stakes projects.

Looking Ahead: Visions for the Future

As TAIT Towers continues to expand, the company plans to further integrate RISA-3D into its workflows by refining internal training programs and expanding their asset library. With an emphasis on working smarter and faster, TAIT’s goal is to ensure that engineers can efficiently handle both standard and non-traditional designs. The company is also looking to incorporate more advanced RISA-3D features to further enhance productivity and design precision across a wider range of projects. With a solid foundation in RISA-3D, the company is well-positioned to meet the ever-changing demands of the industry and continue delivering cutting-edge solutions to its clients.