Throughout his creations, Vincent Ganivet has been using bricks and concrete blocks to build complex arches and structures defying the laws of gravity.

Most of the time, their stability relies on the mathematical process used by famous Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi : the « hanging chain model », also known as the « catenary curve ». Their shape is quite similar in appearance to that of a long chain held by both ends and left hanging, but inverted. Thus, the forces and tensions exerted enable the arches to stand without buttresses.

The Catène de Containers* weighs almost 288 tonnes, and its highest point reaches 28.5 metres above the ground. Its name, borrowed from the Latin word « catena », also means « chain ». It should be seen as a nod to the technique inspired by Antoni Gaudi, but also to the use of shipping containers in the « supply chain ».

This artwork was sponsored by Vinci Construction and its subsidiary GTM Normandie Centre.

* Container Catena