Beginning as a tight cluster, the Expanding Helicoid smoothly expands to fill the spiral staircase at the center of Discovery World’s permanent biotech exhibit. Visitors have the sensation of being inside the sculpture: as it expands, it seems to grow like a living plant; as it contracts, it seems to disappear into the stairwell. Bound by two spiral staircases–like the DNA double helix it resembles–the helicoid itself is like a living organism, visually joining the staircases from landing to landing, thereby appearing to fill and connect the interior of the staircase. The designers created a sculpture that is fully experiential, rather than simply visual?one that embodies themes of innovation, science and technology.

Contact:Craig Holland: [email protected] Credit:Hoberman Associates Client:Discovery World