A new canopy for a student lounge at California College of the Arts (CCA) hangs within a double-height space and functions as a light scoop, spatial definer and viewing portal that solves the programmatic requirements while pushing the boundary of computer modeling, structural analysis, and digital fabrication. The name Aortic Arc comes from its resemblance in form to a portion of the human heart and the fact that it leaps over an existing structural beam. The technical and artistic challenges were unique and did not allow for a conventional approach. Collaborating closely with the designers, structural engineers employed non-linear analysis tools and parametric BIM technology to model and predict the final minimal energy form of the piece that, structurally, behaves as a hybrid between a cable-net and membrane structure. The minimum surface structure is made up of 546 unique HDPE panels linked to one another by over 4000 pop-rivets. The surface is suspended from three upper stainless steel rings (two circular, one elliptical) that are held and hold each other in tension. A singular large parabolic ring functions as a ‘hoop skirt’ below. HDPE plastic, the same material used to make milk jugs, was selected for the panels due to its low cost, resistance to solar degradation, recyclability, low embodied energy, and high tensile capability.