Ned Kahn

Funnel Cloud by Ned Kahn harnesses the forces of nature and brings it to the heart of Pazhou, Guangzhou. Suspended between the Sany Group and Irootech headquarters, the wind-powered sculpture rises from a reflecting pool. It stretches to the ceiling, and its conical net is filled with thousands of translucent elements that sway in the wind and shimmer with falling water.

Commissioned by Sany and Irootech in collaboration with SOM Architects and delivered by our Shanghai team, the work reflects a shared commitment to smart technology, global connectivity, and a low-carbon future. The artwork at times can be calm with still water, but when the wind blows, it animates the work into motion, revealing coordinated patterns that resonate with the logic of digital intelligence. Made from Durabio, a plant-based bioplastic that stores carbon from the atmosphere, the sculpture becomes both symbol and system: alive, reactive, and restorative.

Our Shanghai team worked from concept to completion, leading fabrication and collaborating closely with the artist and architects to integrate the piece into the towers. Alongside the sculpture, we designed and cast over 500 custom aluminum panels at our foundry, now installed across the lobby walls and elevators. Each panel carries its own handmade texture, grounding the space with a material language that mirrors the motion above. Together, the sculpture and architectural elements transform this new landmark into a space where art, atmosphere, and innovation converge.