THE PROPOSITION.
A three-dimensional web of cables, nodes and cloud-like spaces that visitors can physically enter and explore. Suspended 130 metres above Barcelona, the work turns the summit of Torre Glòries into an inhabitable landscape with views through the structure to the city below.
FROM ARTISTIC PROPOSITION TO PHYSICAL SYSTEM.
SPC was appointed by Stage One to lead the complete design realisation, manufacture and installation of the permanent, climbable artwork. Working from the artist’s fixed geometry and the engineer’s structural principles, we developed the connections, panels and anchors into a safe, durable and buildable system.
7,000 metres of steel wire rope · 10,000 cable lengths · 6,000 node connections · 1,200 panels · 25 primary anchors.
DESIGN INTELLIGENCE.
Technical concept · Detailed design · Engineering coordination · Prototyping.
The consultancy period developed and tested around 25 variations of custom nodes, cable connections, panels and anchors. Six inner-net node types were cast in stainless steel; 230 outer nodes were formed from super-high-strength steel plate, each one unique. Components were stress-tested internally, independently verified and certified for permanent public interaction.
INSTALLATION ABOVE BARCELONA.
A full-scale test build at Stage One’s facility allowed the creative team to enter the structure and approve the developed system before manufacture.
On site, replica anchors were installed and the cupola was digitally scanned. The survey was returned to the cable-net model so each cable endpoint and anchor-fin angle could be resolved to the built geometry. The outer net was hung first, followed by the inner strings, with tensioned access nets lowered level by level as the assembly progressed.
