Spyre

Spyre is a kinetic sculpture by Ron Arad, presented at the Royal Academy of Arts in London in 2016. The approximately 16-meter-high weathering steel structure was divided into five moving sections, each driven by its own mechanical system. Independent movement allowed the sculpture to continuously change position, while a camera mounted at its tip transmitted a live view of its surroundings onto the façade of Burlington House.

CIG was responsible for the early-stage development, engineering, production, and pre-assembly of the sculpture. Our work included developing the 3D production model, structural analysis, shell plate development, workshop documentation, and the engineering of the movement system. The weathering steel plates were cut and 3D formed before the five sections were welded and assembled at CIG’s facility.

During pre-assembly, the electric motors, gearboxes, traction systems, and internal wiring were integrated into the structure. The complete sculpture was then fully assembled in the workshop so its movement could be tested before handover, allowing the mechanical and structural systems to be evaluated together prior to installation in London.