Pilot

Pilot isn’t just a waterfront sculpture. It’s the symbol of Minghu Park Phase II, creating a landmark for public art and interaction. The design draws from a sail, distilling its flowing curves into a modern sculptural form.

What makes this piece stand out is its dual-layer movement. The main sail body turns slowly, shifting its orientation toward the lake throughout the day. At the same time, small plates across the sail flutter gently in the breeze, catching the light as the air moves. From afar, it looks like a sail cutting through waves. Up close, visitors see both motions at once, as if the sail is alive. The main body is built from mirror-polished stainless steel and galvanized steel tubes. Its mirrored surface reflects the sky, the lake, and the surrounding greenery, letting the sculpture blend naturally into its setting. Stainless steel resists rust in the damp lakeside air, keeping maintenance low over time. The small plates are made from thin, high-strength stainless steel, light enough to flutter smoothly and strong enough to last. The base houses the drive system and carries the work’s title, Pilot, on a plaque. Its scale invites visitors to come closer and take in the details. At night, the piece takes on a different character. Built-in lights trace the curves of the sail, and as the sculpture turns, the light drifts across the lake. Water, light, and the sculpture become one, presenting a striking landmark after dark.

Sustainability is built into every detail. Stainless steel and galvanized pipes are fully recyclable and free of harmful coatings. The motor runs on low energy and can be set to a timer, while all lighting uses low-power LEDs. Much of the work was prefabricated off-site, reducing construction waste. And the sculpture sits at a respectful distance from the shore, leaving the existing vegetation and the lake’s ecosystem untouched.

Pilot is not a standalone object. It lives with the lake, the sky, and the people who come to see it. Simple as that: public art should belong to its place and speak to the people around it.