Terminal 5, Heathrow, London
Advanced rigging & abseiling techniques
British Airways together with Artwise Curators commissioned this unique architectural sculpture at Terminal 5, Heathrow. Alternative Access Logistics was approached to install the “cloud” using innovative rigging techniques and IRATA trained abseilers under tight sight constraints and in complete safety.
The sculpture, a custom creation by Troika, is suspended mid-air in the T5 atrium hall between the busy terminal shopping centre and the British Airways First Class Lounges.
The cloud was completely covered in digitally operated “flip-dots” requiring the utmost precision and sure-handling in order avoid damage to the delicate skin. At over 5 metres in length and almost 2 metres in width the installation proved to be a challenge to conventional lifting and handling techniques.
Alternative Access Logistics manufactured a bespoke lifting frame and motorised travelling device that was suspended from the roof gantry rails above. From delivery in the external car park, the cloud was flown in through the terminal building within the atrium whilst avoiding three balconies. The use of advanced rigging techniques permitted exact control to facilitate the installation.
The sculpture had to be installed over four time limited night shifts, under the careful supervision of an Alternative Access Logistics trained IRATA level 3 operative.
Case Studies
- 23 Saville Row, London
- Aqua Leisure Centre, Cardiff
- The Boyne Bridge, Ireland
- Coleman Street, London
- The Edge, Manchester
- K2 Sport Centre, Crawley
- The Kessock Bridge
- Lower Thames Street
- The Natwest Tower, London
- Riverside Exchange, Sheffield
- Olympic Fish, Barcelona
- Terminal 5 - Modular Soffit Access System
- Terminal 5 - Advanced Rigging & Abseiling Techniques
- Terminal 5 - Air Intake Towers
- Terminal 5 - Glass Lifting Beam
- Terminal 5 - Lift Towers
- Terminal 5 - Permanent Roof Access System
- Terminal 5 - Temporary Roof Access Gantry
- Terminal 5 - Painting Platform
- Terminal 5 - Building Maintenance Unit
- Transmission Tower Access
