Our expanded metal mesh has been used in the creation of the 7.3m diameter Pacific Dome, part of the Idea of North exhibition at Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art in Gateshead.
It was developed by London-based design and materials agency Material Driven, who were asked by Baltic and Ryder Architecture to design and curate the piece.
Part of the concept behind the piece was to capture some of the work and products of designers, material makers and key manufacturers who have ties to Northern England, and to reflect the diversity, heritage and emerging innovation in the region.
The Expanded Metal Company supplied two triangle-shaped 2089 mild steel raised mesh pieces for use in the construction of the dome, which features five layers - bottom to top - of one-off materials such as colourful plastics and paper.
The dome's inset triangles draw from the heritage of the North and the wealth of emerging materials that will dominate its future through the lens of materials and their makers. In addition to The Expanded Metal Company, firms such as Duraflor, Interface, New Boosbeck Industries, Tektura and more were among the contributors.
Both the interior and exterior of the dome's structure - from ground to ceiling - include a variety of materials diverse in form, colour, size, texture and source. Super-material Graphene was one of the materials used for the piece as well as some structurally advanced timber substitutes, atmospherically responsive materials and tactile surfaces.
The facade of the dome displays a grid of visually dramatic materials, while those on the inside have a finer grain.
The dome will be on display until September 30, 2018.
"We're delighted to have been given the opportunity to be part of celebrating the pioneering spirit of the region.
The North East has been a home to the Expanded Metal Company since the 1890s. Expanded metal has long been admired by designers for its compelling aesthetics and it is great to see that the metal mesh we produce is considered to be one of the outstanding and extraordinary materials from across the North. "
It is expected that Idea of North will see a footfall of 80,000 visitors this summer.
The Great Exhibition of the North is a free summer-long event which will include a programme of exhibits, live performances, displays of innovation and new artworks.
It will launch on June 22 and is set to be the biggest event in the country this year.
For more information and full line-up, please visit:https://getnorth2018.com
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