Introduction

Artist Giny Vos is internationally known for creating large-scale, site-specific installations that challenge spatial perception and architectural boundaries. For two of her projects, Feniks and In the Eyes of Sybilla Merian at Naturalis, Femto played a key role by providing structural analysis and certification support, enabling these ambitious artworks to be realized safely and compliantly within complex public environments.

Main challenge

Both projects pushed the limits of conventional exhibition design. Giny Vos’ installations appear visually light and expressive, yet are structurally complex due to their scale, geometry and interaction with public spaces.

While Feniks is a complex structure made up of 1,763 steel box sections, reaching 19 metres in height with a 22-metre wingspan, located next to a busy highway, In the Eyes of Sybilla Merian (Bug eyes) project required detailed structural analysis of two heavy, suspended compound-eye installations spanning 3 floors of the Naturalis parking garage.

Despite their artistic nature, the structures had to meet strict safety requirements. In both cases, structural loads were applied in accordance with the Eurocode, including self-weight, wind loads from multiple directions, and snow loads. These non-standard geometries made it challenging to apply conventional calculation methods.

Reliable verification required advanced structural analysis to accurately capture load combinations and structural behavior, ensuring safety and compliance without compromising the artistic intent.

Feniks

The Feniks consists of a large, sculptural structure with a complex load path and non-standard geometry. Femto supported the project from an early design stage by translating the artistic concept into a structurally verifiable model.

Figure 1: Feniks is a complex structure made up of 1,763 steel box sections, reaching 19 metres in height with a 22-metre wingspan, located next to a busy highway

Using Femap & SDC Verifier advanced finite element analysis (FEA) tools, we assessed stresses, deflections, stability, and connection behaviour under relevant load cases. Through iterative analysis and design validation, our structural engineers worked closely with the artist and fabricator to optimize the design without compromising the artistic intent.

This early engineering involvement reduced risk, avoided late-stage redesigns, and enabled smooth approval by certifying authorities.

Naturalis “In the Eyes of Sybilla Merian” (Bug Eyes)

As part of the In the Eyes of Sybilla Merian project at Naturalis, two large “compound eyes” were installed on the façade of the new parking garage, spanning the 8th to the 10th floors. These striking elements are inspired by magnified moth eyes from the Naturalis collection. The eye frames consist of curved steel bars that reference the neural pathways within the insect eyes, resulting in an organic yet technically demanding structure.

Figure 2: In the Eyes of Sybilla Merian (Bug eyes) project required detailed structural analysis of two heavy, suspended compound-eye installations spanning 3 floors of the Naturalis parking garage.

The main challenge lay in verifying the structural safety of these relatively heavy suspended installations and their interaction with the existing façade. Femto performed detailed structural analysis to validate load paths, stresses, and deformations, and supported the design of the façade connections to ensure safe load transfer to the building.

Outcomes and certifications

• Both projects were successfully realized, certified, and opened to the public without structural incidents or delays.
• Femto’s analyses support the validation of the designs based on Eurocode requirements.
• Femto’s iterative analyses enabled early validation of design choices, minimized technical risk, and ensured full regulatory compliance.
• By addressing structural integrity upfront, costly modifications during fabrication or installation were avoided

Conclusion

• These projects show Femto’s capability to handle complex, non-standard structures.
• Through advanced structural analysis, Femto accurately assessed loads, stability, and structural behaviour for unconventional designs in public environments.
• Femto provided independent certification and compliance expertise, applying current regulations such as Eurocodes to verify safety and ensure regulatory approval.

Author: Patrick Naar
Simulation Engineer, Femto Engineering