We’ve shared stories about our role in transporting some really important (and big) things. Things that make a difference helping people to live, communities to build, and future generations to thrive. Frequently, though, once these important and big things are delivered and put into use, we can’t really see them again. They’re placed underground or underwater or covered in an enclosure. They are rarely put on display, to be admired and studied.

That is, until Texas A&M had a groundbreaking artistic vision.

Creating An Artistically Engineered Masterpiece

The College of Engineering at Texas A&M developed a cross-disciplinary art program to cultivate innovation and creativity. This integrated art program engages world-class artists in designing site-specific works of art which draw inspiration from science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.  

What’s The Story Behind The Shipment?

Artist Olafur Eliasson posed the question, “How can you build a sphere out of cubes?” The two open geometric, mixed-media sculptures he created offered the answer. Each form is a light structure made of brushed stainless steel. The smaller structure is a human-sized cube from which a corner has been removed. The other is a pavilion-scaled stellated polyhedron composed of 60 identical modules. Within the sphere, 60 identical mirror triangles allow viewers to discover and map the relationship between the two forms. The mirrors create an ephemeral quality, reflecting the light and surroundings. At night, the structure is subtly lit to create a distinct appearance from the daytime.

But how do you get 60 oversized, fragile, identical mirror triangles transported safely to Texas A&M?

That’s where we came in.

We facilitated the move of three truckloads of crated stainless steel mirror pieces to be assembled to complete the geometric sculptures. Each truckload was 50 feet long, 11 feet 11 inches wide, and 6 feet high. The three trucks safely and securely delivered these delicate loads to the E (Engineering) Quad on the Texas A&M campus. To not get in the way of hoards of students and suitcases on campus move-in day, we delivered the fragile cargo on Saturday.

As artist Olafur Eliasson said regarding this artistic endeavor, “What seems impossible, gradually becomes possible.”

Here at ZMac, we feel the same way. That’s why we love what we do. To hear more from the artist on this incredible project, check out the video below!