Flow: A Ceiling Sculpture
Client | GMR Marketing
Partner Agency/ Designer | Scathain & Kahler Slater Architects
Services leveraged | Parametric Design, 3D modeling, Photo-real rendering, Fabrication efficiency, Space Planning, Material Selection, Inspiration & Trending
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The client, GMR Marketing, recently renovated their global corporate headquarters in New Berlin, WI. Catalyst was tasked with working in conjunction with Kahler Slater Architects to help flesh out the interior renovation. Specifically, we helped define floor plans and general spatial usage, as well as, create a 3D model of the renovation for photo-real renderings to better assist material choices. Material selection was also guided by Catalyst.
As part of the renovation, GMR sought out a sculptural element to reflect the connected nature of their work and, at the same time, literally connect both wings of their corporate headquarters. Catalyst leveraged Parametric design via the Rhino / Grasshopper software to design a sculpture consisting of hanging rows of boards that "flow" between major spaces above sections of circulation. These "flow lines" were inspired by Zaha Hadid's work. The sculpture was made from over 7,000 linear feet of a 3/4" composite of Walnut and a rigid core (the sculpture used a walnut laminate to reduce weight). The walnut matched the material selections on the rest of the renovation. The fabrication firm Scathain was chosen to carry out the fabrication and installation of the sculpture. In combination with Catalyst's design drawings & parametric model, Scathain was able to create and engineer an adjustable, lightweight, and fast installation plan to hang the whole sculpture, extending over 2 floors, within 4 weeks.
