MINIPLEX 2.0
A modular approach to Art Installations
MINIPLEX 2 .0
Norwegian Bliss
Cruise Ship 2018
Vlad Tenu was invited to create a new art piece for Norwegian Bliss, the latest ship refurbished by Norwegian Cruise Lines. Commissioned by Soho Myriad, the sculpture was designed around a concept that took inspiration from nature, from the organic shapes of corals and sea creatures.
Due to the very tight site constraints and the requirements for speed and efficiency of transport and installation, the proposal consisted of a modular sculpture. The piece is built from a new evolved version of MINIPLEX - a single component modular system designed by Vlad Tenu.
Nature inspired
Driven by the challenge of creating an art piece for a cruise ship that travels the world by sea, the structure’s intricate shape is inspired from nature, from the shape of sea corals and underwater creatures. The design process is based on algorithms that simulate processes of self-organisation of cells and behaviour of soap films and follows a series of mathematical principles.
A modular sculpture
The sculpture is modular and it is based on MINIPLEX - an assembly system consisting of a single type of component, initially developed by Vlad Tenu in 2014. Identical flat pieces that can be connected and re-combined, organically growing into very complex geometric structures. Through simple rules of symmetry, it can be assembled into an infinity of possible shapes, just like a a 3D puzzle.
Computer generated sketches of the design proposal below:
MINIPLEX 2.0 is the new evolved aluminium version of this modular system designed specifically for this project. Having sustainability as a core principle, the system is born from the idea of an ever-changing piece of design that can be endlessly re-configured into different new arrangements and adapt to its context. This approach allowed for an increased efficiency in delivering the piece and installing it on the deck of Norwegian Bliss, despite the site constraints and logistical challenges.
Sculpture produced in collaboration with ART&ASSEMBLY Studio. Many thanks to Aaron Distler.