“Convergence,” the world’s largest 3D-printed stainless steel sculpture by Jenny Sabin Studio, combines cutting-edge robotic fabrication and sustainable design to honor the legacy of the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Standing 28 feet tall, this dynamic installation symbolizes lightness, balance, and collective progress.

The University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) has unveiled a new public art installation that seamlessly merges cutting-edge technology and architectural brilliance. Created by Jenny Sabin Studio, Convergence is a 28-foot-tall sculpture located on the William H. Northwall, MD, Plaza, serving as a dynamic tribute to the legacy and future of UNMC.

Celebrating Innovation Through Design

Chosen by the Nebraska Arts Council 1% for Art Program and UNMC, Convergence embodies the theme of coming together, reflecting the institution’s thriving history and promising future. Jenny Sabin, the project’s lead architectural designer, describes the sculpture as a celebration of transformation and equilibrium, inspired by the interconnected roles of individuals in shaping UNMC’s journey.

Engineering Art with Advanced Technologies

The creation of Convergence employed the most advanced methods in digital and robotic fabrication:

• 4,000 lbs of Stainless Steel: Produced through robotic wire arc additive manufacturing by Lincoln Electric Additive Solutions, significantly reducing material waste compared to traditional methods.
• 9 Unique Stainless Steel Panels: Precision 3D-printed components ensure both strength and visual harmony.
• Responsive Polycarbonate Panels: CNC-fabricated panels laminated with dichroic film interact with sunlight, creating dynamic visual effects.

This integrated approach combines timeless materials and innovative processes, highlighting balance through opposing forces and collective unity.

A Global First in 3D Printing

As one of the largest 3D-printed stainless steel structures in the world, Convergence represents a monumental leap in the application of robotic fabrication. By using less material and saving time, the sculpture exemplifies the potential of sustainable construction practices in art and architecture.

A Tribute to the UNMC Community

Through its intricate design and impressive scale, Convergence honors the contributions of the faculty, doctors, students, researchers, administrators, and community champions who have defined UNMC’s legacy. The sculpture serves not only as a physical landmark but also as an enduring symbol of collaboration and progress.

Key Project Contributors

The project was a collaborative effort, involving:

• Jenny Sabin Studio Design Team: Led by Jenny E. Sabin, with contributions from Dillon Pranger, Michael Paraszczak, John Hilla, Hancheng Zhang, and Alexander Kyaw.
• Engineering Consultants: Powell Draper, Matthias Peltz, and SBP New York City.
• Fabricators: Lincoln Electric Additive Solutions, Prairie Mechanical, Patriot Service, and Accufab.

With dimensions of 28 feet in height and 12 feet in diameter, Convergence stands as a beacon of architectural ingenuity and artistic vision.