Zug Swallows - Case study

This case study delves into the meticulous process that the André Stead Sculpture Institute followed to bring the Zug Swallows installation project to life.

The project started with a thorough consultation and site evaluation. The client provided us with images and floor plans of the proposed site. Our team considered the specific attributes of the site in Zug, Switzerland, ensuring that the proposed installation would have a significant visual impact and integrate harmoniously with the spatial elements of the location. The aim was to create a sense of movement and flow, connecting the upper and lower levels surrounding the installation.

After assessing the site, we embarked on the conceptual development. Keeping the location's unique features and the client's requirements in mind, we crafted an artistic concept around the central theme of flight.

We designed the artwork to include bird profiles, specifically swallows, symbolising freedom and the search for perpetual summer. To enhance visual appeal, we decided to use plexiglass in five colours ranging from white to mid and dark blue, creating a vibrant display with variations in light distribution.

Using advanced visualisation software, we developed detailed simulations of the proposed design. This critical step enabled us to present a realistic, virtual artwork model. The model showcases how it would look under various lighting conditions at different times of the day. It gave stakeholders a clear understanding of the installation, aiding decision-making and approval processes.

To guarantee the structural integrity and safety of the installation, we adhered to strict engineering standards. We constructed the main structure using marine-grade stainless steel to reflect the surrounding colours. The bird profiles were laser-cut from three-millimetre plexiglass and designed to bolt onto the frame to withstand outdoor conditions. We meticulously evaluated and professionally certified each aspect of the design, ensuring the artwork would stand firm while blending seamlessly with its environment.

With the design approved and certified, we moved to the fabrication phase. Utilising top-tier techniques, we transformed the conceptual design into a physical form. The main structure of the installation incorporated spiralling stainless-steel tubes that we crafted, and we cut the bird profiles from the selected plexiglass. We carefully created all components to meet high-quality standards, from the smallest bird to the extensive support structure.

Managing the Zug Swallows project required dissecting each design component, evaluating production techniques, logistics, and costs, and creating a meticulous construction timeline. The final design intricately wove aesthetics and practicality, balancing desirability with feasibility. Each stage of the process was overseen in detail, ensuring seamless execution and strict adherence to timelines.

The scale of the Zug Swallows project necessitated careful logistical planning. Production of the artwork took place in South Africa, requiring careful coordination for safe transport to its final destination in Switzerland. Each bird received individual wrapping for optimal protection, and for more convenient shipping, the main structure was divided into two parts, significantly reducing the crate size.

The installation was a grand finale, akin to arranging a magnificent bouquet. Our team assembled the main structure on site and used a crane to lower it into position in the atrium carefully. Each bird was artistically attached to the main framework, enhancing the artwork's overall composition and directional flow. Our team added lighting from below to accentuate the installation's colours, which created a beautiful diffusion of coloured light in the evening and a captivating interplay of light and shadows throughout the day.

The André Stead Sculpture Institute's systematic approach to the Zug Swallows installation demonstrates our commitment to delivering exquisite, site-specific installation artworks. We invite you to commission a unique, transformative piece that perfectly complements your aesthetic preferences and space requirements.