CORPUS

Corpus is a permanent outdoor artwork, commissioned by the University of Cambridge (£350K directly to researchers) for the grounds of the Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Campus, which houses four world-leading research institutes, investigating human health at a cellular level. Corpus embodies research carried out to make a site-sensitive output in the form of seven sculptural vertebra representing both the spine’s structural support and its vital source of life-giving blood. 

Dalziel + Scullion investigated the proportions of the human figure, mirroring a series of positions, from recumbent to standing to generate the external profile of the sculptures. They analysed NASA data related to cockpit designs, and measurements of different body types, to inform a series of physical tests supporting their designs. Corpus proposes a strategy where audiences engage physically and conceptually, through the invitation to place the human body in a variety of positions, altering what can be perceived from that position, challenging users to reconsider how we experience the world around us. 

Dr G. Arnold, Department of Orthopaedic & Trauma Surgery, University of Dundee, assisted in analysing the data, to realise their identified ambition to ‘fit’ ~80% of potential users. Their methodology of production utilised civil engineers, Blyth & Blyth, and bespoke architectural & structural concrete, Plean Precast. Launched by the Director of the Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute with the Director of Kettle’s Yard, the artists presented Corpus through a public lecture at Cambridge University and artist-run workshops in Cambridge schools and throughout the wider community. A dedicated publication is available to the public, with an additional video of Corpus, housed on Cambridge University JC Biomedical website. 

The project featured in a Fourthdoor Review - Unstructured.9 article entitled ‘HEAL’ examining its place within the body of Dalziel + Scullion’s work which has repeatedly returned to health and environment questions.