Artist: Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran
Client: Scape, Randwick City Council
Collaborators: Vital Commons, Studio McKeon
Location: Kingsford, NSW
Multi-Headed Reclining Figure (2025) is a cast-bronze sculpture by Sri Lankan-Australian artist Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran, installed on the nature strip outside Scape Kingsford. Set within the public streetscape beneath a mature frangipani tree, the work sits close to pedestrian paths and everyday activity. Partridge was engaged as structural engineer to support the permanent installation of the artwork, ensuring it could be safely and reliably integrated into this public setting.
The sculpture has a low, reclining form with multiple projecting elements, which influenced how it needed to be supported. Partridge worked with the artist and fabricator to understand how the weight of the bronze was distributed and how the sculpture would behave once installed. This informed the design of discreet fixings that hold the artwork in place without detracting from its appearance, while allowing it to withstand its own weight, incidental contact and wind loading.
A primary design challenge was developing a standoff footing system that allowed the foundation to be concealed within the garden, creating the impression that the sculpture floats lightly above the ground. The footing needed to provide stability while remaining visually recessive, requiring careful coordination of footing height, connection points and tolerances. Another key challenge was identifying a suitable metal that could be welded to the bronze sculpture to form reliable structural connections. Partridge advised on compatible materials and connection details to achieve robust fixings without affecting the finished surface of the artwork. The final support system balances structural performance with the need for the sculpture to sit comfortably within its landscape and public surroundings.
