‘Marsyas’ was conceived by the sculptor Anish Kapoor in response to an invitation to exhibit in the Turbine Hall of the Tate Modern Museum, London, between October 2002 and April 2003.

Spanning 147m, the PVC coated polyester membrane skin is supported by 35m high steel rings at either end of the hall. A third, horizontal, ring is freely suspended by the membrane over the central mezzanine floor.

Anish Kapoor developed the sculpture form and support structure in close collaboration with Arup, the engineers for the project. Tensys acted as membrane engineering specialists for the sculpture contractor B&O Hightex. Particular responsibilities were :

	Replication of the desired form in a model suited to the direct generation of cutting patterns
	Production of cutting patterns
	Analysis of installation

The determination of the form involved a very complex distribution of prestress, and proved to be highly sensitive to small adjustments. This sensitivity was reflected in the behaviour of the actual structure during installation and stressing.

The final choice of seam layout was determined together with the artist considering both technical and aesthetic issues. The successful realisation of such a complex project under a tight time schedule could only have been achieved by the close and positive collaboration of all parties.