Cinimod Studio have designed and delivered an inspiring
three-dimensional sculpture for the Itsu food outlet at Heathrow’s
Terminal 5.
This new design draws on the studio’s multidisciplinary background in
architecture and lighting. Applying new design and fabrication
techniques, the original
Butterfly In Flight (that can now be found in a dozen Itsu stores
across London) has been re-imagined and engineered to create a floating
twisting sculptural form that has a major visible presence within the
cavernous Terminal 5 building.
Butterfly In Flight is a product of Cinimod’s on-going research
exploring the idea of design in 4 dimensions. Capturing cinematic motion
within physical design, this fascination has been symbolised by the
motion of a butterfly through various different projects.
The key components that make up the artwork are the aluminium
supporting structure, the light emitting polycarbonate wings and the
custom lighting system. The structure consists of a modular construction
that when assembled forms a three-dimensionally curving tube. This
forms the twisting spine onto which the illuminated wings are fixed.
Each wing has inlaid within it a high density LED strip that emits
light through the clear polycarbonate with a dichroic coating to one
side. Individual control means a series of programs that vary throughout
the day animate the lighting to articulate the dynamic motion instilled
in the design. The overall result is that the wings appear to have a
crystalline and delicate appearance, with an iridescent colour that
shift as one viewers walk around it.
Planning and prototyping was crucial to the success of the project.
The design process involved close consultation with BAA, where design
decisions were made based on some of the most stringent regulations in
place at any UK airport. In an incredible feat of materials research,
engineering, fabrication and project management, the final sculptural
Butterfly In Flight was installed on site in just 2 nights, and now
soars 6 metres above the kiosk below.
from cinimodstudio
