Partridge was engaged to design the structural framework for Galara – a monumental Aboriginal spear sculpture at the Wee Hur Regent Street student accommodation project in Redfern. The 12-story spear is a symbol of the First Nations people’s deep connection to the region’s waterways that once ran through the area. Galara means ‘fish harpoon’ in the Dharug language. Originally planned in fiberglass we worked with the artist to later transition it to aluminium for fire safety. The primary engineering challenge was ensuring the stability of the spear’s long, slender prongs. To address this, we implemented a unique structural design that incorporated intermediate fixings along the shaft, providing stability and mitigating wind load risks.
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