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<\/p>\nRootlab hurries to finish “architectural trees” for Houston’s FIFA World Cup, expected to cool streets and become a lasting city feature.<\/p>\n
HOUSTON \u2014 The sounds of construction greet you from the moment your car door opens outside of Rootlab.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The design studio\u2019s 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\u2019s largest projects to date.<\/p>\n
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It\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
There has also been a complete overhaul of Downtown Houston\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
Soon, another addition will line the streets of Downtown Houston.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s what brings us to Rootlab, the design team tapped to help build and assemble several \u201carchitectural trees\u201d that will soon line Texas Avenue from the bayous toward East Downtown.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not something we do every day,\u201d Rootlab Project Manager Matthew Navarro said. \u201cIt\u2019s very exciting.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt all looks the same size on a screen, and then when you\u2019re standing next to it \u2014 they\u2019re huge,\u201d Navarro said. \u201cThey\u2019re going to be really, really pretty when they\u2019re done.\u201d<\/p>\n
The goal is to have the sculptures ready before the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Installation is targeted between May 18 and May 28.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe timeline for this is coming up really soon, and we\u2019re putting all hands on deck,\u201d Navarro said.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t think I\u2019ve ever been part of a team that has so many people with such an exquisite set of skill sets,\u201d Navarro said.<\/p>\n
Rootlab is collaborating on the project with architectural firm SWA.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cEveryone was bringing something different to the table, and we were able to come up with something that I don\u2019t think any of us would have imagined on our own,\u201d Rootlab Co-Founder Logan Beck said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI keep seeing you look at this, knowing your project is going to be embedded in your hometown forever,\u201d KHOU 11 Reporter Amanda Henderson asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, that\u2019s one of my favorite things about doing what we do,\u201d Beck replied.<\/p>\n
We got a chance to sit down with Beck during the crew\u2019s lunch break.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur team\u2019s amazing,\u201d he said with a smile.<\/p>\n
The crew has been working to complete the structures since summer 2025.<\/p>\n
Beck started the design and fabrication business in 2014. Now, the lifelong Houstonian is helping shape his city\u2019s World Cup experience.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis project will live on after the World Cup as well,\u201d Beck said.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s why you\u2019ll often find employees like Navarro on-site overseeing the work as sparks fly across the workshop floor.<\/p>\n
Everyone is working to ensure the structures will be ready to help welcome the world to Houston.<\/p>\n