Low Poly Sculpture of an Iberian Imperial Eagle: Design, Manufacturing and Installation
Francisco Piqueras
The challenge of representing an imperial eagle in Low Poly
Coconceived to occupy the central space of the House of the Imperial Eagle of Pedraza, This Low Poly sculpture of an eagle has been one of our most demanding works on a conceptual and technical level.
The objective was clear: to represent the Iberian imperial eagle with an imposing presence, respecting its morphology even within a geometric language. The piece, by 4 meters wingspan, It was designed to integrate into the museography and mark a visual reference point within the main hall.
A project carried out with collaboration and trust
From the beginning, we worked in coordination with Vacceo Integral Heritage, those responsible for the museum project and promoters of this intervention. Their involvement was key to aligning the design objectives with the exhibition criteria., and their trust allowed us to explore a proposal that was risky both formally and technically in its execution.
This synergy was crucial in completing a sculpture of this scale, designed to function as an identifying element of the space.
Design from scratch with scientific support
The design process started from a blank model, which we shaped with the continuous advice of a team of biologists and ornithologists. His experience was key to identifying the essential morphological features of the Iberian imperial eagle and adapting them to the simplified language of the Low Poly style.
A silhouette recognizable at first glance
Thanks to their guidance, we were able to make the silhouette instantly recognizable, even with reduced volumes and angular geometries. We analyzed proportions, flight postures, and unique characteristics of this species to ensure that the sculpture conveyed its identity without the need for a realistic finish. This interdisciplinary collaboration allowed the result to be coherent from both a scientific and museographic.
A lightweight, sturdy, and transportable sculpture
One of the major technical challenges was to conceive a large sculpture that could to be easily transported and effortlessly assembled at the destination.
To achieve this, we divided the eagle's body into three main pieces, carefully calculated to ensure structural stability and visual continuity. This decision not only simplified logistics but also allowed for quick assembly in the hall, without the need for heavy machinery.
Internal structure adapted to final assembly
Each section was carved from polyurethane foam, a material that offers volume without adding excessive weight, and that allows for precise shaping. Inside, we installed a custom-designed PVC structure, which provides rigidity without compromising the overall lightness.
This combination allowed us to maintain the control over each phase of the processFrom transport to the assembly and suspension of the sculpture at height, where it was finally integrated into the museography of the space.
From foam to detail: this is how we make it
This low-poly sculpture of an eagle was manufactured from polyurethane foam blocks using 3D CNC machining, which allowed us to obtain precise and well-defined shapes..
Based on the digital model developed in the design phase, we generate the cutting and programming files for three-dimensional milling. This process ensured the fidelity of the volume and the cleanliness of the transitions. geometric features characteristic of the Low Poly style.
Sanding, sealing and painting for a clean finish
Once the machined parts were finished, the workshop team took care of the final finishing: fine sanding, surface sealing and paint application.
We used specific primers for foam, which allowed us to achieve a continuous surface prepared to receive the color.. The sculpture was painted in neutral tones with a matte finish, seeking to make the geometry predominate over the texture or shine.
High-rise installation for a striking effect
The sculpture was designed not only to be seen, but to stand out within the exhibition space, suspended in the air as if it were in full flight. The high-rise assembly was planned from the early stages of the project, which allowed us to integrate the necessary anchor points into the internal structure for a safe and discreet installation.
Once the three pieces were assembled in the room, we proceeded to suspend the figure above the main space, taking care of the angle of flight and the orientation of the wings to achieve a dynamic effect.
A collaborative closure with a museum-like vision
The installation was the result of a coordinated process between technical teams, assembly and museographic direction, with the constant support of Vacceo Integral de Patrimonio. Their collaboration allowed us to make quick decisions during the assembly and ensure that the sculpture fulfilled its function within the exhibition narrative.. The result is a piece that not only stands out for its scale and formal language, but also fulfills a symbolic role within the visitor's journey.
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