BOK Center

César Pelli · Oklahoma · 2008

BOK Center
Iconic

A swirling spiral of stainless steel that woke up downtown Tulsa.

Multipurpose arena in Tulsa Oklahoma.

Major PracticeIconic
Architect
César Pelli
Year
2008
Coordinates
36.1527°, -95.9961°
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Visitor Guide

Visitor Tip

Walk the main concourse to see the mother-of-pearl aggregate terrazzo floor, which contains 70% shell.

Best Photo Spot

The southwest corner at dusk, where the swirling steel panels and the illuminated 600-foot glass facade meet.

Access & Hours

Generally accessible for ticketed events; the box office area can be viewed during business hours.

Insider Note

The 33,000 stainless steel panels were produced by Zahner, the same fabricators used by Gehry for his most complex curves.

Time Needed

1 hour (exterior)

Design & Structure

Shell StructureDouble-CurvedDiagrid
Computational Process

Pelli utilized 3D modeling to coordinate the 5-degree tilting glass facade, consisting of 1,600 unique glass panels.

Materiality

Stainless steel panels, glass, and terrazzo flooring with Native American artwork.

Structural Innovation

The building's curving form required 4,000 tons of structural steel to support a spiraling path that leans as it rises.

See Together

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who designed BOK Center?+

BOK Center was designed by César Pelli and completed in 2008. It is located in Oklahoma, United States.

Where is BOK Center located?+

BOK Center is located in Oklahoma, United States. Its coordinates are 36.1527°, -95.9961°.

When was BOK Center built?+

BOK Center was completed in 2008. It was designed by César Pelli.

Can I visit BOK Center?+

BOK Center is a real building in Oklahoma that can be viewed from the outside. Check local information for interior access and visiting hours. Use the Parametric Atlas walking tour feature to plan a route that includes this building.