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

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Visitor Tip

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

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Best Photo Spot

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

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Access & Hours

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

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Insider Note

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

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Time Needed

1 hour (exterior)

Design & Structure

Shell StructureDouble-CurvedDiagrid
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Computational Process

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

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Materiality

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

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Structural Innovation

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

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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.