program collective suspends a metallic splash sculpture in spain

program collective suspends a metallic splash sculpture in spain
photo © gunnar knechtel
all images courtesy of program collective

with ‘splash’, the artists of program collective (mona kim, todd palmer, simon taylor, olga subirós) met a series paradoxical challenges. they arose in the form of the creative fusion of software and structural engineering, machine construction and the human hand, 3D sculpture and time-based media, and site-specific design and socially transformative experience.

the installation provides a symbolic counterpoint to a science-based exhibition that reveals the positive value of water to life and dangers to water sustainability. the collective sought a public happening that would convey both the technological and the primal, bridge science and culture, veneration and caution. at the core of the transdisciplinary response is a three-dimensional array that evokes the dynamism, fragility, and power contained in a single drop.

looking down into the space
photo © gunnar knechtel

to give shape to this concept, particles software was used to simulate extreme physical forces (like gravity, wind, heat) acting on the liquid. during the process, a visually provocative moment was selected as the base for subsequent stages of realization. this fluid dynamics digital model was translated into a mesh and finally to a solid which allowed structural calculations needed to hang the composition of 134 pieces from cables. the representation was then 3D printed as a 1:20 prototype, which guided the final fabrication. each of the shapes were ‘sculpted’ through digital CAD-CAM cutting with smoothing, polishing, and special mirror effect finishing.

an acoustic feature is hidden in plain site
photo © gunnar knechtel

the experience is complete with sound and visuals that were conceived together to address goals in relation to the 40-meter high space. defined by a visually powerful double-helix of ramps, ‘splash’ provides a counterpoint whose scale and complexity can only be fully understood by the viewer in motion. as the public ascends the tower ramps, the time and motion-based capabilities of the installation are augmented by ambient audio-visuals. through movement, perception, and discussion, the relationship between parts of the hybrid reach momentary completion and meaning.

the changing lighting environment
photo © luis ros

the LED screens
photo © luis ros

hanging above the 40-meter space
photo © gunnar knechtel

an audience exploring the installation
photo © program collective

the making of the installation where science meets poetry
photo © program collective

project info:

designers: mona kim, todd palmer, simon taylor, olga subirós of program collective
location: zaragoza, spain
site area: 40 meters height lobby
design period: 2007-2008, rebuilt in 2014
client: expozaragoza
photographers: gunnar knechtel, luis ros, program collective

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.