Engineering Meets Artistic Vision: SoftTime 2024 Public Art Installation

Overview

Natasha Johns-Messenger’s SoftTime 2024 installation, a striking six-meter minimalist timepiece, was realised by European Museum Technology (EMT) and Blue Bottle Lighting Specialists. This ambitious project seamlessly marries artistic vision with state-of-the-art fabrication, exemplifying the symbiosis of art and engineering, transforming bold artistic concepts into tangible, large-scale public art installations.

Prototyping

The project’s success hinged on an extensive prototyping process, essential for balancing aesthetic refinement with functional precision. A primary challenge involved selecting the ideal acrylic material for the frosted tubular Perspex elements. EMT conducted rigorous material tests to ensure uniform light diffusion, eliminating any visible dot matrix that might disrupt the intended gradient glow. The acrylic ultimately achieved the smooth, uninterrupted light transitions Natasha Johns-Messenger had envisioned. Structural and electronic components were also subjected to comprehensive evaluations to guarantee their long-term performance and reliability. Particular attention was paid to making the installation weatherproof—a crucial requirement for an outdoor public artwork of this scale.

Fabrication

EMT precisely constructed the timepiece’s core structure in the fabrication phase from two ring-rolled square tubing. Precision-engineered laser-cut centre plates were used to stabilise the inner and outer square tubes, ensuring structural integrity without compromising the visual purity of the form. The steel elements were first treated with a protective chromate zinc coating, followed by a carefully applied powder coating to maintain durability and aesthetic elegance. Precision was paramount, and the towering six-meter sculpture was fabricated to exact tolerances, with variations kept within an impressive 2mm. Fabricated in four modular sections for transport, the structure was designed to be reassembled seamlessly on-site. Integrating specially machined brackets ensured the timepiece was mounted securely yet discreetly, preserving its sleek appearance while providing the necessary structural support.

The installation’s LED system, composed of 1,696 LEDs supplied by Blue Bottle in Melbourne, was expertly integrated into the design to create a fluid, rhythmic illumination. Each lighting component was meticulously calibrated to achieve the desired effect, ensuring that the interplay of light and form was as captivating in reality as in concept.

Installation

Upon completion, the entire structure was carefully transported from EMT’s Braeside facility to the installation site, where the monumental timepiece was mounted on the building’s façade. Here, the blend of artistic grandeur and technical precision became fully realised, with SoftTime 2024 as a visually stunning artwork and a testament to modern engineering.

Through a seamless collaboration between EMT and Johns-Messenger, this installation has evolved into a lasting public artwork that reflects the evolving significance of timekeeping in contemporary society.

This project underscores the vital role of engineering in facilitating artistic expression. It demonstrates how expertise in materials, precision fabrication, and technical innovation can bring visionary public artworks to life and ensure they are both structurally sound and visually compelling.