Will the Standing Whale withstand the wind? Western University model testing a unique art piece inside WindEEE
A collaboration between world-renowned Canadian photographer Edward Burtynsky, Queens University, and Western University, is working to realize a new art piece titled ‘Standing Whale.’
A 3D printed stainless steel scale model is being put to the test inside the Wind Engineering, Energy, and Environment Research Institute (WindEEE RI) in London, Ont.
"One of a kind facility, not only in Canada, in a humble Canadian way, even in the world. It's very unique,” said Girma Bitsuamlak, director of WindEEE RI.
Inside WindEEE RI, engineers can simulate the impact of different types of high-force winds, including tornadoes, thunderstorm microbursts, and downbursts.
Engineers are working on testing the strength of a unique structure that is the work of Burtynsky, who hopes his public sculpture, a true-to-size re-imaging of a whale skeleton, will convey the importance of climate change, environmental stewardship, and biodiversity loss.
Conceptual sketches of the ‘Standing Whale’ in front of the UN building. (Source: Edward Burtynsky photography)
But in order to make that happen, critical testing to determine the behaviour of the structure in the wind must be completed. The team has come to Western University, a leader in the world when it comes to wind engineering.
“We have 106 fans on the wall and the ceiling of the system. We control each fan individually. When you have this kind of flexibility and control, you can generate different kinds of wind systems. It's very unique in that sense," explained Bitsuamlak.
Burtynsky has been working with Think2Thing Design Director David Didur for nearly eight years to help conceptualize the Standing Whale.
“It’s through this collaboration we’re hoping to find a solution to have an aesthetically pleasing piece with no compromises, yet with sound engineering,” said Didur.
Conceptual sketches of the ‘Standing Whale’ in front of the ROM in Toronto. (Source: Edward Burtynsky photography)
Burtynsky is also working closely with Queens University, engaging with faculty and students in multiple programs, tackling the piece's structural and conceptual challenges with the aim of bringing this artwork to life in a public setting.
“We don’t have a facility were we can test the full scale sculpture, so what we have here is we have a 1 to 25 scale model. So the actual sculpture is 25 times bigger than the one you see here, and we scale the wind and all of the properties of the model so that we essentially get a realistic representation of what its behaviours will be here when we are done,” explained Josh Woods, civil engineering assistant professor at Queens University.
The data from the testing will allow the team to fabricate the 74-foot sculpture, a process that will take approximately two years.
A location for the unique art piece is yet to be determined.
Exterior of the WindEEE facility in London, Ont. on March 20, 2024. (Reta Ismail/CTV News London)
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
A 'tragedy that can't be measured': North Bay's forever chemical problem is also the rest of Canada's
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
Bouchard lifts Edmonton Oilers to 4-3 overtime win over Canucks in Game 2
Evan Bouchard scored 5:38 into overtime and the Edmonton Oilers bounced back for a 4-3 win over the Vancouver Canucks in the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs on Friday.
Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Town of Fort Nelson, B.C., ordered to evacuate due to wildfire
The entire town of Fort Nelson, B.C., as well as the nearby Fort Nelson First Nation, has been ordered to evacuate due to an out-of-control wildfire.
opinion How to use your credit card as a powerful wealth-building tool
Irresponsibly using a credit card can land you in financial trouble, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew says when used properly, it can be a powerful wealth-building tool that can help grow your credit profile and create new opportunities.
McGill University seeks emergency injunction to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
Questlove was not happy with Drake and Kendrick Lamar's beef: 'Nobody won the war'
While some may have been excited and/or amused by the diss-track feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar, the man many consider to be an elder statesman of hip-hop appears less than enthused about it.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.