"Arrival"
Proposal for an artistic landmark for Fredriksdalshallen, Helsingborg | 2026
Stainless steel, black steel and lighting
Vision & Concept
"Arrival" is a grand, tactile landmark designed to make everyone feel at home at Fredriksdalshallen.
The project is based on a playful myth that the nearby Fredriksdal water tower is actually a "mothership" inhabited by mechanical beings who are now a natural part of the local community.
The artwork captures the exact moment a family of aliens has "skidded" down from the sky and parked their craft in a hurry to make it to their sports practice on time —a relatable, human situation that creates an instant connection with passersby.
Design & Interaction
The installation consists of two main elements:
-The Ship: A transparent steel structure featuring an organic "branching" interior in a brass finish. It serves as an interactive meeting point where visitors can step inside a shimmering "forest room," sit at integrated wood tables, or play with interactive control panels designed for three-fingered hands.
- The Beings: Five unique individuals built from repurposed machinery and recycled metal. Strategically placed between the entrance and the roofline, they bridge the gap between the art and the building itself.
Safety & Sustainability
Light design: During dark hours, the ship acts as a glowing beacon, increasing safety and orientation near the entrance. A central "power source" light creates a dreamlike atmosphere reflected in the nearby water features.
Materials & Durability: By combining robust I-beams with recycled scrap metal and eco-friendly treated timber (SiOO:X), the work is built to withstand heavy public use and harsh weather for decades.
Accessibility: With wide openings, no thresholds, and seating at various heights, Arrival is an inclusive space where children and adults can explore on equal terms.
"Arrival is not just an object to be viewed from afar, but an environment to be lived in. It is a modern sci-fi sculpture with its roots deep in the local soil."
Quick Technical Facts:
Materials: Recycled steel, stainless steel, paving stone, and Siberian larch.
Features: Integrated seating, interactive mechanical details, and subtle LED lighting.
Eco-Integration: High use of recycled metals and planned integration of climbing plants (Vitis vinifera) to allow the ship to "take root" over time.
The proposal was commissioned by Helsingborg Konst.
The proposal that was chosen >
Thoughts on how to make the idea behind "Arrival" a reality? Please contact the artist >
