Mangrove
Solaire Resort North, Manila, Philippines
2026
2026
Mangrove is a large-scale glass sculpture by Nikolas Weinstein Studio, engineered by Arup as the centrepiece of the public atrium at Solaire Resort North in Manila. Inspired by the intricate root systems of mangrove trees, the installation transforms the vast interior space into an immersive environment of light, transparency and movement. At 28 metres long, 35 metres wide and 27 metres high, it is the world's largest glass tube sculpture.
As part of the Arup team, I engineered the structural and seismic design of the sculpture and curated the parametric workflow used for its analysis and optimisation. The project presented unique challenges due to its unprecedented scale, highly flexible behaviour and location within one of the world's most seismically active regions. With no direct precedents or code guidance available, the engineering approach was developed from first principles through a combination of advanced simulation, physical testing and iterative design refinement.
The sculpture consists of a continuous matrix of glass tubes, stainless-steel spines and tensioned cables, creating a lightweight structural system that behaves almost like a suspended textile. I led the development of the computational workflows used to model the complex interaction between these components under gravity, wind and earthquake loading, using advanced nonlinear and dynamic analysis to inform the final design and validate its performance.
The project demonstrates how engineering, computation and artistic vision can be combined to realise ambitious works that push the boundaries of both structural design and contemporary art. The resulting installation transforms the atrium into a dynamic spatial experience while achieving the resilience and performance required for long-term operation in a seismic environment.
Image credits: Nikolas Weinstein Studio.
