Top frame being set out in the workshop, jigged to recreate the dimensions on site. 

To provide long-term protection, the top frame was hot dip galvanized, giving it a grey-silver appearance.  To fit in with the main building programme, the top frame had to be installed well in advance so it could be in place prior to the suspended ceiling being built. 

Fitting the top frame.

Where the sculpture bolts on to the top frame, the connection is concealed within the suspended ceiling.

Installation of the sculpture was one of the final jobs before the new building was opened.  The largest entrance is a set of double doors, so the sculpture was fabricated in dozens of sections that piece together from the ceiling down.  Fabrication of the sculpture began with profiling and drilling all the tube connections.

The main rings were precisely jigged, to ensure the levels, heights and centres are all correct.

The sculpture is constructed upside-down for a more stable jigging arrangement.  This image shows the top of the sculpture, as the first sweeping 'DNA' strand is added.

The height of the sculpture makes it impractical to fabricate all in one go.  Work on the top two sections is at the stage where they may be disassembled and worked on at ground level.

Lifting off the second section.

The remaining rings were assembled horizontally for accurate alignment.

They were precisely jigged to ensure the levels, heights, centres and orientation are all correct.

'DNA' helices added to the lower section. 

'DNA' helices complete.

H₂0 sphere fixings added.

Final mechanical polishing. 

The large molecule at the lowest part of the sculpture contains a stainless steel globe.  Paper templates were used to trace the coastlines.

The continents were removed using a plasma cutter

The resulting globe is unusual to see, as the visual emphasis is on the oceans rather than the landmasses.

After electropolishing, the sculpture components were delivered to site.  Assembly began at ground level.

Attaching winch cables to top frame above ceiling.

Cleaning top ring prior to hoisting.

Top ring was hoisted part way, allowing the first layer of 'ribs' to be attached.

Attaching top 'ribs'.

Top quarter of sculpture hoisted to ceiling height.

Remaining sculpture sections fixed together at ground level.

Attaching remaining sections.

Structural elements of sculpture complete.

Small sculptures representing local biodiversity are set inside 'H₂O molecules'.

'H₂O molecules' attached, and final cleaning to finish installation.