Double Space

Double Space by Barber & Osgerby with BMW for London Design Festival

V&A Raphael Gallery, London

12 September – 24 October 2014

Double Space is a kinetic sculpture on a dramatic scale, suspended from the ceiling of the V&A Raphael Gallery, distorting the beautiful cartoons and classic architecture of the space below. Two enormous, reflective, hanging, silver elements rotate in a series of carefully choreographed movements.

millimetre was the main contractor for the design development, detailing, production and installation of this complex structure. It was vital to realise Barber & Osgerby’s design aesthetic, while maintaining structural integrity and on-site buildability. The structure was made using an aluminium lattice truss sub-frame and mirror polished honeycomb aluminium panels.

Each 15 metre-long wing weighed 5 tons – however, all the components of the installation had to be loaded through a 700mm doorway. The build therefore took place in the gallery itself, over 11 days, with two teams working 24 hour shifts. The entire structure is 100 per cent recyclable and demountable.

Materials: 36m custom lightweight aluminium truss; 232 polished Alucore panels 560m²; 4500 Hfg hand torqued bolts; 4 x custom motors and gearboxes; custom control software; 24/7 installation over 11 days