Client: University of Iowa

Location: Iowa City, IA, United States

Completion date: 2017

Artwork budget: $165,000

Project Team

Artist

Joe O'Connell

Creative Machines

Artist

Creative Machines

Creative Machines

Overview

Convergence is a three-dimensional array of engineering equations cut out of steel ribbons. From a distance, the sculpture will appear to be a series of flowing bands, but as students look closer they will discover a litany of different symbols, letters and equations.

Goals

The goal for the sculpture is to create a monument to engineering that abstractly visualizes the process of thinking. Each ribbon depicts a series of equations moving through space akin to a student working through these ideas in their mind. Taken as a whole, the ribbons embody a sense of trajectory and movement as they flow upward and out. The ribbons are individual elements, but they come together to achieve the same visual movement contributing to the idea that disparate fields of engineering or students come together within the school for the same goals.

Additional Information

Powder coated steel, 40’ long x 8’9” wide x 7’5” H