Nicholas O’Dwyer was delighted to provide structural engineering services for Beatha, a sculpture by artist Rachel Joynt, unveiled on 15 October at RCSI’s 118 St Stephen’s Green in Dublin.
Meaning “life” in Irish, Beatha is an almost four-metre-high bronze oak sapling that explores the relationship between the life and respiration of plants and humans. The sculpture’s two leaves evoke the form of a pair of lungs, creating a strong connection with its healthcare setting at RCSI while also referencing the neighbouring St Stephen’s Green, often described as the “green lung” of the city.
The project brought together art and engineering, with Nicholas O’Dwyer providing the structural expertise required to support the artist’s vision. Our team worked closely with Rachel to refine the sculpture’s structural steel frame and baseplate connection, helping to provide the support and stability required for the completed installation while respecting the artistic form and intent of the piece.
Ronan Sweeney attended the unveiling, joining Rachel and those involved in the project to celebrate the completed work.
For Nicholas O’Dwyer, the project offered an opportunity to apply our structural engineering expertise in a distinctive setting, demonstrating how engineering can play an important role in supporting creative works.
It has been a pleasure for Nicholas O’Dwyer to contribute our engineering expertise to such a distinctive project in the heart of Dublin.