Particular Matter(s) – a walk-in net sculpture

The air‑supported membrane sphere, measuring 29 meters in diameter, creates a distinctive spatial experience in dialogue with light and sound. Visitors can enter the installation on two suspended net levels. The upper net, positioned about 12 meters high, allows a floating passage through the volume, while the lower level at 3.5 meters offers a more grounded perspective on the scale of the structure. A discreetly integrated walkway ensures barrier‑free access.

The design challenge was to develop a supporting system that respected the artist’s vision of a minimalist “spider room” while meeting the strict building regulations in New York. To preserve the clarity of the space, all structural elements were placed outside the membrane envelope and remain invisible to visitors. After extensive testing and certification, a highly transparent cable net with 3 mm cables was approved as a walkable surface for up to 50 people. In addition, a custom fabric was developed that combined the required visual qualities with the necessary strength and fire safety standards. A complex air inflation system was developed securing air quality and a constant pressure for the static stiffness of the sphere. Several emergency scenarios had to be integrated and structurally proven.

The tight schedule for assembly and dismantling demanded careful planning and precise execution to ensure the timely opening of the exhibition.

3dtex GmbH: detailed development, planning, execution and assembly

Artist: Thomas Saraceno
Client/Client: The Shed New York
Manufacturing: Ballonbau Wörner GmbH and Karsten Daedler e.K.
Statics: z3rch Berlin
Photos:Hanna Slak
Graphic: Tomas Saraceno

Collage towards Free the Air: How to hear the universe in a spider/web, 2022 – 95-foot-diameter sculpture housing a concert of spider/webs in four movements. Commissioned by The Shed. © Tomas Saraceno

Completion: 2022, USA – New York

The air‑supported membrane sphere, measuring 29 meters in diameter, creates a distinctive spatial experience in dialogue with light and sound. Visitors can enter the installation on two suspended net levels. The upper net, positioned about 12 meters high, allows a floating passage through the volume, while the lower level at 3.5 meters offers a more grounded perspective on the scale of the structure. A discreetly integrated walkway ensures barrier‑free access.

The design challenge was to develop a supporting system that respected the artist’s vision of a minimalist “spider room” while meeting the strict building regulations in New York. To preserve the clarity of the space, all structural elements were placed outside the membrane envelope and remain invisible to visitors. After extensive testing and certification, a highly transparent rope net with 3 mm cables was approved as a walkable surface for up to 50 people. In addition, a custom fabric was developed that combined the required visual qualities with the necessary strength and fire safety standards. A complex air inflation system was developed securing air quality and a constant pressure for the static stiffness of the sphere. Several emergency scenarios had to be integrated and structurally proven.

The tight schedule for assembly and dismantling demanded careful planning and precise execution to ensure the timely opening of the exhibition.

3dtex GmbH: detailed development, planning, execution and assembly

Artist: Thomas Saraceno
Client/Client: The Shed New York
Manufacturing: Ballonbau Wörner GmbH and Karsten Daedler e.K.
Statics: z3rch Berlin
Photos:Hanna Slak
Graphic: Tomas Saraceno

Collage towards Free the Air: How to hear the universe in a spider/web, 2022 – 95-foot-diameter sculpture housing a concert of spider/webs in four movements. Commissioned by The Shed. © Tomas Saraceno

Completion: 2022, USA – New York