For installation, we first stained the concrete retaining wall black to contrast against the panels. The metal panels were then installed over the black concrete wall. Each panel is cut in a way to create openings and reveal the layers below.
The Fire Node is located on Treaty 1 territory within the Province of Manitoba, the traditional lands of the Anishinaabe, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dene, and Dakota Peoples, and the homeland of the Métis Nation.
Shape’s team of designers worked with the artists to optimize and convert the supplied artwork into layered files which could be cut from large metal panels. We used a combination of materials, including aluminum and weathering steel, chosen for their durability. Weathering steel (Corten) is a steel alloy that is designed to rust in a controlled fashion. The rust in weathering steel creates a protective coating that allows the core of the steel to remain intact, perfect for exterior conditions. The panels were cut and shaped using our CNC laser cutting table.