Anish Kapoor‘s Naples Metro Sculptures: A Deep Dive into Materials and Construction
Naples, Italy – The Monte Sant’Angelo stations of the Naples Metro, designed with striking sculptures by renowned artist Anish Kapoor, showcase innovative construction techniques and material choices, offering passengers a unique architectural experiance inspired by classical mythology. The sculptures aren’t merely aesthetic additions; they represent a complex engineering feat, though structurally non-essential to the stations’ stability.
Kapoor’s works at the two stations – Monte Sant’Angelo – University and Monte Sant’Angelo – Trajan – utilize contrasting materials to achieve distinct visual effects and ensure long-term durability.
At the Monte Sant’Angelo – University station,a towering structure is constructed from COR-TEN steel,an iron carbon alloy containing copper,chromium,and phosphorus. This composition develops a “Self-Gales Surface Patina,” resulting in the material’s characteristic “rusty” appearance while providing crucial corrosion protection. The sculpture stands 19 meters high and weighs approximately 220 tonnes.
The Monte Sant’Angelo – Trajan station features a sculpture crafted from aluminium, chosen for its lightweight properties and resistance to atmospheric agents, eliminating the need for protective coatings. The aluminium structure retains its natural metallic gray color and reaches a height of 11 meters, weighing 42 tonnes. The notable weight difference between the two sculptures is attributed to steel’s specific weight being three times higher than aluminium’s.
Both stations’ interiors are coated with Spray concrete (or projected concrete), applied at high speed to create a continuous, seamless finish reminiscent of a cave-like texture. This technique utilizes a concrete mix with a high concrete dosage, allowing for quick execution without the need for coupons.
Crucially,while visually dominant,these surface structures are not load-bearing. The stations’ stability relies on underlying geotechnical works and reinforced concrete structures. However, the sculptures are supported by an Internal Frame MetallSystem providing stiffness and stability to the forms.
The designs are intended to evoke the myth of the Sibilla Cumana, as recounted in virgil’s “Aeneid,” transforming the passenger experience into a metaphorical “descent to the underworld.” The sculptures feature curved and daring forms, representing a significant artistic and engineering undertaking.