Abstract

Only Breath is a five-meter-wide kinetic sculpture located in the centre of the Science Museum’s Energy Revolution Gallery. The work comprises 23 stainless steel frames that articulate in a blooming motion, opening and closing over a 3 minute cycle above the heads of visitors to the gallery. The cyclical breathing motion of the piece, reminiscent of natural rhythms, encourages viewers to contemplate their connection to the environment. The prestige of the venue, known for fostering impactful discourse, helps to place the sculpture within a global conversation on science and the environment. The Science Museum’s prominent platform amplifies the significance of this work, enhancing its ability to engage the public in a dialogue on environmental responsibility. The complexity and technically demanding nature of the project required a rigorous and detailed approach. Rennie’s collaboration with the engineers Buro Happold and Hepco Motion was integral to balance the conceptual meaning of the work with the practical design, fabrication and delivery of the complex arrangement of parts required. The parametric design software “grasshopper”, traditionally applied in engineering, was extensively utilised as a communication tool between the artists and the structural engineers, helping to foster a more fluid language of geometry and physical properties of materials. The sculpture incorporates locally sourced materials, including windblown timber from Storm Arwen, and recycled two-way mirrors. This attention to environmental impact and resource sustainability is reflected in the sculpture’s design, which engages with natural cycles through its kinetic movement. The project is a kinetic demonstration of interdisciplinary innovation, bridging artistic creativity with advanced technology and engineering to promote creative solutions in sustainable energy practices. The dynamic nature of the sculpture, combined with its use of reclaimed materials and renewable energy themes, helps to advance public awareness of environmental sustainability through collaborative and interdisciplinary approaches.