The Arches of Oman has taken three and a half years to complete, from the initial concept to the on-site installation of the final piece. Designed by artist Giles Rayner of GR Sculpture, the Duplex water feature has been fully fabricated and polished by m-tec’s team of skilled engineers at the company’s UK headquarters.
The process was a collaboration of in-depth design meetings and consultations with commission director, Julian Glyn-Owen, who was pivotal in ensuring the project met GR Sculpture’s expectations of high quality standards and stringent deadlines.
The shape of the sculpture is highly complex and features curves to represent the iconic Islamic arch symbol. The two entwined polished stainless steel tusks flow around one another, containing dozens of high pressure water jets which have been built into the piece and erupt from the inner surfaces to create an eye-catching water feature.
Tom Elliot, manager at m-tec, said: “This sculpture represents new standards in stainless steel public art, featuring cutting edge architectural metal fabrication techniques. Manufacturing this style of sculpture showcases the level of skill and craftsmanship that our engineers possess, enabling us to produce a truly stunning piece of public art for the elusive Middle East.”
From the initial concept stage to shipping and on-site assembly, the whole project has involved a multi-functional team of skilled design engineers, structural engineers, steel fabricators and hydro specialists to ensure the sculpture has been manufactured to the UK’s highest standards.
The project is the latest in a number of high-profile architectural art and sculptures manufactured by m-tec, which stand as impressive pieces of public art in towns and cities across the world.
Recent work includes the manufacture of the Minaret-inspired sculpture on Brick Lane, London which was designed by DGA Architects. The sculpture is part of an extension to the Brick Lane Jamme Masjid, a Grade II listed building dated from 1743 and a centrepiece of the Brick Lane cultural trail.
As part of the wider engineering and fabrication company WEC Group with 850+ staff, m-tec provide turnkey creative and project delivery solutions from design concept and technical calculations to fabrication, delivery and installation.
m-tec www.m-tec.uk.com
