Solaris Nexum a public art installation by Alexandra Carr.

Brief: Creating a large scale sculpture for the 35-meter-high atrium of the new campus of the Technological University, Dublin, Ireland. Timeframe: 1 year

Public art commissions are created for society and must be physically accessible. Commonly, the artworks are therefore installed and presented in easily reachable and welcoming environments. The intention of such a scheme can be based on various different reasons: memorials, celebrating new landmark buildings or specific events,  creating a greater sense of identity, and supporting communities to prosper. Overall, the aim is to infuse significance and connect history to the present, as well as the future.

In 2019, the British Artist Alexandra Carr received a commission from the Technological University, Dublin, managed and delivered by the Grangegorman Development Agency.  For this assignment, an open call was launched, and guidelines for the applicants were provided.   Carr and her competitors submitted their proposals for discussion to the commissioner and development agency. For the assessment the designs had to meet specific criteria, such as artistic merit, originality, engagement with the university community, longevity, maintenance, health & safety, and working within the offered budget. These facts are measured by a point system; the higher a candidate scores, the more likely their chances to be chosen. In Carr’s case, the jury unanimously selected her proposal Solaris Nexum.

The concept of Carr’s Solaris Nexum explores our changing connection to the sun through technological shifts of various ages. Through a double-sided surface of suspended mirrors, Solaris Nexum is a helical structure projected onto catenary arches, allowing continually changing reflections in response to the shifting light. Carr approaches celestial architecture, advances in optics, and renewable energy as paradigm-shifting technologies, drawing together periods of human history with a potential future for humankind. The sculpture serves as a monument to solar connection through the ages of technology, encouraging us to retain a respect for nature and intelligently live in harmony with its resources, moving towards a technologically symbiotic age. Carr invites us to look both inwards and outwards to embrace all spheres of being into one harmonious whole. Her piece could not be more fitting for the TU Dublin. 

Artist's impression of the proposed work, CAD visualisation by Colin Rennie

With the support of the TU Dublin’s legal department, a binding contract was drafted, negotiated, and agreed upon between Carr and the commissioner, outlining the terms and conditions of the project.  Finally, Carr was able to start working on her commission, and materials were ordered for testing. The suggested two-way mirrored Perspex failed to meet the fire safety standards, and a suitable two-way polycarbonate mirror had to be sourced and agreed. This also meant the budget had to be renegotiated, as the costs for the replacement material had increased. Once this issue was resolved, Carr continued working on her large-scale installation. Little did we know, a pandemic was upon us. The construction work at the TU Dublin stopped, and progress in Carr’s studio came to a halt. 

The various lockdowns caused a delay of almost one year. We also encountered issues with various health & safety regulations, like working at heights and accredited individuals signing off on risk assessments and method statements on time, including problem solving at short notice. Luckily, and with foresight, the project was managed in several phases, comprised of inspections and approval points, ensuring the scheme was progressing in the right direction and important milestones were achieved. In August 2021, Solaris Nexus shipped to Dublin and was finally installed in the new foyer of the university campus. Due to Brexit the TU Dublin was now liable to import taxation. In spite of all the challenges, it was an amazing opportunity being engaged in the delivery of such an assignment. It necessitated excellent communication and project management skills, an understanding of legal, technical, and health & safety requirements, and working closely with an exceptional group of professionals.

Installation view
 

©Alexandra Carr and Renée Pfister, 2023.