equilibriarte.net

It will not be ready in time for the Olympics but surely it will be a record breaking artwork. The sculpture "Slipstream" has been created by Richard Wilson for the monumental entrance to the refurbished Terminal 2 Hearthrow, which will open in 2014.

The sculpture will be positioned between two runways at the Terminal and suspended up to 20m above the ground, creating a striking focal point for passengers.

This is a sculpture of impressive proportions, made of aluminum 70 meters long, weighing 77 tons. The work represents the shape of a plane floating in space, starting as quiet body and mutating with the air impact. Wilson's intention is to "properly convey the thrill of air into the architecture of the international terminal."

The work was selected through an international competition. Curators of the project, the company Futurecity on behalf of BAA Hearthrow Airport,
The work was conceived by Richard Wilson and its design was carried out with sophisticated computers and the support of engineers to assess the structural risks. “Slipstream” is designed to enhance the cultural experience of all passengers flying through the new terminal, which is estimated to be over 20 million people a year thus making this work one of the most viewed in the United Kingdom.