Case Study — Stefan Lindfors

THE PROCEEDINGS OF An already REALIZED PROJECT

“Lucius Alienus” — Sculpture with integrated climbing and sliding for kids’ recreation. You climb up into the stomach of this hybrid fish on an integrated ladder between the two legs. Then, inside this monster, you crawl or walk towards the jaws (front opening) and slide down on the tongue.

This is a typical example of the process of a large-scale sculpture commission created by Lindfors.

1. The BRIEF (BY the city of Pargas), Finland - Nov 2016.

“We have decided to install a permanent sculptural monument in our Central Park, which also needs to serve as a recreational forum for children - a climbing frame, or other. We wish the sculpture to be slightly surrealistic and humorous, yet somehow possible to define for our inhabitants in the everyday. Although the City by no means intends to interfere with the substance of high class sculpture, we would like to see an association to sea life as well, and to a fish (the “Pike”) in particular. Also, it’s imperative that all Kids-Activity-Features follow EU standard safety codes.” Our budget: € XXXXXX. Time-frame: Unveiling May-June 2017.

2. Lindfors accepts the brief - signing of contract - Dec 2016.

A 3rd of the budget upon signing of contract.

3. FIRST PROPOSAL by Lindfors - Jan 2017.

NOTE: In this case the first thoughts and rough sketches by Lindfors were sent by email as a base for further discussion, but a live presentation even at the first stage is always to prefer. No matter where in the world.

“Dear City of Pargas. Having thoroughly read your quite challenging brief loaded with ingredients enough to create an entire park of sculptures (no offense… ; ), my proposal is this: An 8-meter long hollow body with a surface of welded shiny stainless steel plate, reminding of a Pike. But…it’s a fictionary Pike: Huge wings, dinosaur-kind-of legs, and a looong tongue that stretches down to the ground. Kids love fairy creatures as do we adults.”

“Kids Activity: You climb up into the stomach of this hybrid fish on an integrated ladder between the two legs. Then, inside this monster, you crawl or walk towards the jaws (front opening) and slide down on the tongue. Weird, easy and safe.” "Structural and technical: The entire sculpture stands on the ground on three (3) sturdy points: The tail fin and the two huge feet. Wings, legs/feet and tongue are red coloured fiberglass. There are integrated lights inside the fish body as well as under the wings to illuminate the ground underneath. All materials used are absolute all-weather safe."

“I can meet your budget and time-frame wishes, meaning ready to install the final sculpture mid-May next spring, in 2017. Foundation work in the park as well as electrical pulled up to the piece are not included in this budget. Neither is installation on location upon delivery. FINALLY: I’ve named this work “Lucius Alienus”, which is fake Latin for “Strange Pike”. Thank you very much, and awaiting comments + a date for a meeting at your City Council asap to discuss anything and everything in order to begin working. Time is of the essence here… ; ) !”

“NOTE: Please find attached my first drawings.”

4. Meeting at the City Council of Pargas - Jan 2017.

Discussions around the concept of Lindfors’ proposal, safety codes, structural issues, functional issues, electrical, maintenance, installation, PR and unveiling date. Present were City Architect, Park Director, PR, Art-administrator & construction consultants and Stefan Lindfors. Project approved. Next step: Exact 3D-drawings of “Lucius Alienus” including animation.