Rootlab hurries to finish “architectural trees” for Houston’s FIFA World Cup, expected to cool streets and become a lasting city feature.
HOUSTON — The sounds of construction greet you from the moment your car door opens outside of Rootlab.
It only takes a few moments to realize how much work is happening inside the pair of warehouses, where open loading dock doors stretch down the rest of the block.
The design studio’s front office features a staircase that leads upstairs to the design and construction studios. The doors open to dozens of Rootlab workers stationed throughout the space, all focused on finishing one of the company’s largest projects to date.
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It’s no secret Houston is hosting seven 2026 FIFA World Cup games this summer. Beginning June 11, soccer fans from around the globe are expected to arrive in Space City.
In preparation, Houston has undergone a number of changes ahead of the international sporting event. Downtown streets are decorated with flags representing countries that will play at least one match in Houston.
There has also been a complete overhaul of Downtown Houston’s historic Main Street, transforming it into a promenade, or pedestrian walkway. Seven blocks, from Commerce to Rusk, have been surrounded by construction as the upgrades took shape. Now, former traffic lanes have been replaced with sidewalks, allowing for expanded patio space for restaurants.
Soon, another addition will line the streets of Downtown Houston.
That’s what brings us to Rootlab, the design team tapped to help build and assemble several “architectural trees” that will soon line Texas Avenue from the bayous toward East Downtown.
The trees were in the final stages of completion when we visited. Several stainless-steel pipes were being welded and buffed in the center of the warehouse.
“It’s not something we do every day,” Rootlab Project Manager Matthew Navarro said. “It’s very exciting.”
Navarro stood next to the latest metal pipes being molded into a petal formation. They were held together by a massive metal contraption designed to keep the pipes at the precise angle needed.
“It all looks the same size on a screen, and then when you’re standing next to it — they’re huge,” Navarro said. “They’re going to be really, really pretty when they’re done.”
The goal is to have the sculptures ready before the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Installation is targeted between May 18 and May 28.
“The timeline for this is coming up really soon, and we’re putting all hands on deck,” Navarro said.
There are indeed dozens of Rootlab designers and engineers working throughout the warehouses on project after project. The only quiet moments come during lunch breaks.
“I don’t think I’ve ever been part of a team that has so many people with such an exquisite set of skill sets,” Navarro said.
Rootlab is collaborating on the project with architectural firm SWA.
The design serves multiple purposes. In addition to becoming a permanent fixture downtown, the canopy beneath each leaf structure is expected to lower street temperatures by 10 to 15 degrees for people standing underneath.
“Everyone was bringing something different to the table, and we were able to come up with something that I don’t think any of us would have imagined on our own,” Rootlab Co-Founder Logan Beck said.
“I keep seeing you look at this, knowing your project is going to be embedded in your hometown forever,” KHOU 11 Reporter Amanda Henderson asked.
“Well, that’s one of my favorite things about doing what we do,” Beck replied.
We got a chance to sit down with Beck during the crew’s lunch break.
“Our team’s amazing,” he said with a smile.
The crew has been working to complete the structures since summer 2025.
Beck started the design and fabrication business in 2014. Now, the lifelong Houstonian is helping shape his city’s World Cup experience.
“This project will live on after the World Cup as well,” Beck said.
That’s why you’ll often find employees like Navarro on-site overseeing the work as sparks fly across the workshop floor.
Everyone is working to ensure the structures will be ready to help welcome the world to Houston.
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