Date:	March 2008
Artist:	Dr Laura Johnston
Location:	Caerphilly County Borough Council Office, Tredomen, Ystradmynach

Reflecting the spirit of the place, the aim was to create a dynamic and uplifting sculpture that would respond to its environment and create an intriguing, ever-changing, focal point within the vast atrium space. Dichroic glass is a fascinating material that changes colour depending upon the angle of incoming light and also on the position of the viewer. This material was selected for the sculpture and the design creates a framework of glass planes that animate the space in direct sunlight, with a projection of light and colour.


The starting point for the design was the study of the site – the architectural design, along with the buildings purpose as the civic centre for the area. The statement: ‘WORKING TOGETHER FOR THE GOOD OF ALL’ represents a core aim of Caerphilly Borough Council and this directed Laura’s research into the study of ‘self organising systems’. The beautiful structures of microscopic Radiolaria led to the development of an abstract form made up of inter-connecting elements. The structural design of the sculpture is a synthesis of architectural elements e.g. the dominant oval core to the building, and the essence and beauty of the natural structures explored.