Wind installation with suspension rope structures
The «River of air» at Maison Blanche station in Paris is a permanent installation designed by the American artist Ned Kahn. With its 18,660 aluminum plates, the installation creates a visualization of water. Wind and light also play a role. The framework makes air movements visible and appears as flowing water. Inspired by the Seine and its shimmering surface.
4 steel supports carry the framework. 41 stainless steel ropes are strung over a length of 70 meters. They form the lightweight structure for the 10-meter-high «River of air». Bracing ropes are integrated at both ends of the structure. The aluminum plates flutter in the wind over a spanning of 420 square meters.
The «River of air» was realized and planned by Groupe-6 Architectes. Jakob Rope Systems developed the rope structure (bracing ropes, suspension ropes, cross tubes) and assembled it on site. All 41 suspension ropes were pre-stretched in the Swiss factory of Jakob Rope Systems for length and elongation behavior. This meant that assembly could be carried out quickly on site in Paris. Only a very tight time frame was possible for the assembly of the «River of air».
The Maison-Blanche station is located in the 13th district of Paris (along Avenue d'Italie) between the Super-Italie tower to the east and the Metro line 7 tunnel to the west. The station is part of a dense urban fabric with a number of high-rise buildings. In this urban space, the «River of air» creates a special natural spectacle - carried by Jakob ropes and the wind.
Project partners:
Architecture: Groupe-6 Architectes
Concept: Ned Kahn
Engineering: Eckersley O’Callaghan Engineers
Metal construction: SIRC Industrie / PETITJEAN SA
Engineering rope structure, delivery and installation of ropes: Jakob Rope Systems
Photos: Copyright Jonathan Gainer
