Water Feature
Many of the children and staff consulted were keen to commission a water feature. The Arts Group invited Syd to design an interactive water sculpture at the front entrance.
Made from stainless steel and aluminium, it rises to a height of 4.5 metres from a stepped granite base set into the paving. A central mast supports three concentric spirals which slowly rotate round a fountain ring of water jets.
Powered by water, the sculpture has one left-handed and two right-handed spirals. As they turn they appear to be winding upwards and downwards forming constantly changing patterns.
Spirals have fascinated people since earliest times. The shape of our galaxy and the structure of DNA are both spirals. They occur widely in nature from sunflowers to sea shells and have a particular appeal for children.
Floodlights at the base of the sculpture illuminate it at night. The water feature was funded by Talisman Energy (UK) Limited.
I wanted to create a water feature which would not only appeal to children coming to the hospital but also staff and visiting relatives who might find it a calming distraction at a time of anxiety.
At night, from a distance, the sculpture appears to be twinkling as the lights are reflected by the turning spirals and sparkling arcs of water.
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