Frankston City in Victoria commissioned sculptor Matt Calvert to create a cultural artwork at a prominent gateway site in the city by the bay. Matt has a significant portfolio of sculptural work and works closely with engineers to bring his visions to life. Our engineering team provided the technical expertise to ensure his artwork, titled ‘Beacon’, would stand strong at 8 metres high against the backdrop of Port Phillip Bay.
His sculptural glass tower and compass marker is made of corten steel at the base and completed by laminated plate glass. This has become Matt’s signature material. As a waste product from the building industry it would otherwise end up in landfill – giving this sculpture strong environmental credentials, as well as its intrinsic qualities of beauty, versatility and durability.
Sculptor Matt Calvert said, “Beacon celebrates the connection of the sea and the land, acting as a marker of the way, a directional pointer in the landscape — a place marker. The work is both a contemporary lighthouse and compass. The corten band and internal steel work that provides the structural support for the glass acts as the directional points of north, south, east and west.”
Matt added: “The compass point forms the centre core of a solid black glass section. As the sunlight hits the glass it will shimmer, as do the waters of the bay nearby. The corten steel elements will weather so that a rusty, orange patina develops, contrasting nicely with the glass. With its height and strong vertical presence, the work will be easily seen by both pedestrians and passing traffic.”
A unique project that our engineering team enjoyed being a part of, showing that art and engineering can create a significant piece for a city’s cultural impact.
| Project Name: | Frankston City Sculpture |
| Project Scope: | Sculpture installation |
| Pre-construction Services: | Engineering |
| Client: | Commercial – Matt Calvert with Frankston City |
| Credits: | Frankston City, Matt Calvert |
