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(Trans)Plant

<29> (Trans)Plant is a public art project fusing biological principles and computer-aided design (CAD) in a kinetic mechanical sculpture. It is one of a series of collaborative research works made with biomimetic engineer and biologist, Professor Julian Vincent (Bath University) exploring 3D structures. Prophet’s role was to co-design, direct and build the project, using Vincent’s measurements of the plant. Prophet created the design brief for an engineer and they developed multiple iterations with Vincent’s advice. Prophet used Vincent’s 3D data to produce functional joints and structures for the piece, CNC-lathed and computer-milled complex aluminium joints, assembled the jointed structure, programmed and tested the sculpture.

Funded through a £30,000 competitive commission from New Generation Arts, Birmingham, it formed the centre-piece of Prophet’s solo exhibition, “Landscape works” in the city centre. The self-assembling sculpture is based on the structure of the herbaceous perennial, Queen Anne’s Lace which interests mathematicians and engineers because it displays geometric consistency over a wide size range. Using botanical data from Vincent’s extensive database of natural structures, we predicted the design of a structure twice the height of the biggest known similar plant.

The work engages audiences in Birmingham who are highly tuned to new approaches to engineering and metal working. Activated repeatedly throughout the day, a series of choreographed computer-controlled linear actuators deploy to open the structure, the branches rise up from a collapsed state, snapping into a recognisable organic structure and the flower heads unfurl. At the touch of a button the sculpture closes itself. It is rigorous in the precise and direct use of botanical data that informed the mechanical engineering. The work is novel in the physical ways in which biological knowledge are represented to non-specialist audiences. This is significant in the public funding the project attracted and the resulting public exhibition.