Client Background
Mr Ray King created a hanging ball structure over the digital commons centre at the College of Business, in the west atrium of Austin Hall, Oregon State University.
Project Details
- Location
- Oregon State University, United States
- Product range
- Hollow Steel Balls
Customer Pain Points
- The sphere positions encode specific information and cannot drift
- A suspended structure over an occupied atrium
- Many spheres held to one size and finish
Our Solution
A configuration of floating steel spheres represents twenty four milestones in the history of the college. The spheres are positioned like beads on an abacus: each year is a horizontal reckoning bar and four vertical rows, each made up of seven spheres.
Manufacturing Process
Spheres were produced to one diameter and finish so the reading of the abacus stays legible across the whole structure.
Supply Chain Coordination
Production was coordinated with the artist's suspension design.
Quality Control
Incoming material
Alloy and sheet thickness are checked against the order before any blank is cut.
Forming check
Diameter and wall are measured after pressing, spinning or water pressuring.
Weld and grind
The equator weld is inspected, then welds and burrs are ground off before finishing.
Surface inspection
Every piece is inspected for scratches, dents and polish consistency under light.
Packing
Protective packing is built around the diameter and weight, and photographs are sent before dispatch.
Final Result
The year 1858 is represented in the sculpture, marking the founding of Corvallis Academy.
Customer Benefit
Consistent sphere sizing keeps a data-driven artwork readable.
Project Gallery
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