INNER CURRENTS
"INNER CURRENTS": A FUSION OF SUSTAINABILITY AT ARC WEST LONDON
HONOURING A LEGACY OF INNOVATION
Commissioned by Daniel Pagella at ARC (Advanced Research Clusters), “Inner Currents” represents a pioneering integration of sustainable and artistic vision.
The sculpture is displayed at ARC West London, sited on the historic site of the Manbré and Garton Saccharine Works, established in 1876. The site’s founder Alex Manbré, initially came to England to scale up his innovative method for producing sugar from potato starch. Though the factory later became part of Tate & Lyle, today ARC, established by Brookfield in 2022, is revitalising this important location to strengthen West London’s growing science and innovation ecosystem.
"INNER CURRENTS" EMBODIES THE SEAMLESS HARMONY BETWEEN SUSTAINABILITY, ART, AND ADVANCED FABRICATION METHODS
THE PROBLEM
RE-THINKING WHAT IS POSSIBLE
ARC wanted to create a landmark sculpture that reflected its vision for innovation and sustainability at ARC West London. The challenge was to design an installation that was not only visually impactful, but also aligned with the site's environmental values. Rather than relying on traditional materials with a high environmental footprint, the project sought to prove that sustainable alternatives could deliver the same level of creativity, durability and architectural quality, while celebrating the site's history of innovation.
THE SOLUTION
MATERIAL INNOVATION AND SUSTAINABLE CRAFTSMANSHIP
Imagined by the ARC group and crafted from eco-friendly mycelium composite grown by MMC combined with responsibly sourced timber, the structure showcases the versatility and potential of our natural materials.
MMC’s® designer Ryan Little, and carpenter Chris Marshall, alongside ASM Tech Ltd, used CNC engineering, 3D printing, and precision carpentry, to create a lightweight yet durable form.
The sculpture’s vibrant pink finish was carefully selected to reflect Motherlabs’ brand colours and was achieved using water-based paint and a non-toxic protective coating, ensuring every process aligned with ARC’s sustainability principles.
THE RESULT
A FUSION OF ART AND SUSTAINABILITY
“Inner Currents” embodies the seamless harmony between sustainability, art, and advanced fabrication methods. It stands as a testament to the possibilities of eco-conscious materials in architecture and design, challenging traditional approaches by demonstrating the aesthetic and structural potential of sustainable alternatives.
The structure invites viewers to rethink the use of sustainable materials and how they can transform both public art and architectural spaces, setting a new benchmark for sustainable art.