Participatory Co-creation of a Public Sculpture Incorporating 3D Digital Technologies

Abstract

This paper presents a interdisciplinary project between artists, civic groups, heritage organisations, technical experts and communities to co-create a piece of artwork for the community. Constellation is the name of the sculpture, and Jonathan Wright, its creator, used a co-creation approach to develop both the design and fabrication of the artwork. To be installed in the Hove Plinth in Brighton & Hove (UK) and commissioned by the Hove Civic Society, this sculpture was envisaged as a celebration of the community's heritage. As such, the mechanical model was designed as a solar system and instead of planets, the most iconic heritage objects in the city were selected to orbit the system. In collaboration with communities, the artist selected these icons which were later 3D scanned in collaboration with technical experts and local heritage organisations. The icons were then manufactured using digital fabrication technologies, and installed in the sculpture. The inauguration of Constellation took place in April 2018 with very good reception from the public. Hence, this paper illustrates the advantages of co-creative approaches which incorporate digital technologies into their workflow.