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As an exploration of acoustics, wind and architecture, artist Luke Jerram’s Aeolus acoustic wind pavilion is a geometrically complex acoustic sculpture that sings with the wind.
From a distance, Aeolus appears as an imposing arch supporting over three hundred stainless steel tubes. Standing below the arch, the mirror-lined tubes draw in imagery from the landscape, distorting and replicating the surrounding environment.
When the wind blows, the sculpture produces a mysterious sound, with its web of nylon strings acting as a giant Aeolian wind harp.
A pioneering collaboration between art and science
From the conceptual sketches the Arup team worked closely with the artist through the complete design process to bring his vision to life.
Through extensive use of parametric modelling tools, the team worked with Jerram to adjust the virtual 3D model in real time, offering him creative control over the aesthetics whilst ensuring the resulting geometry could be constructed.
“Creating Aeolus has been the most challenging and rewarding of all my artworks made to date.
” Luke Jerram Artist
Stainless steel was chosen for its aesthetic finish and durability, and the Arup team provided structural engineering and materials consultancy services to ensure the pavilion was detailed such that fatigue issues were avoided, the desired aesthetic quality achieved, and the structure could be demountable for a UK tour.
Arup’s team also created the drawings needed for the sculpture’s fabrication.
