Nike x Slawn at Truman Brewery Bridge in Tower Hamlets, London 2025
The Challenge
West End Rigging partnered with Glow Inflatables Ltd and the creative team at Amelia Studios to bring two striking inflatable sculptures to life at the historic Truman Brewery in Tower Hamlets, London. Standing at an impressive 10 metres tall, these larger-than-life characters were designed by artist Slawn in collaboration with Nike to celebrate his debut trainer design with the iconic brand. This bold installation marked a unique fusion of art, fashion, and technical expertise.
One of the main challenges we faced was managing the significant wind load generated by the towering inflatable structures. West End Rigging also played a key role in liaising with local businesses, ensuring clear communication and cooperation to support the successful execution of the artist’s vision.
Another challenge involved mitigating the floor loading on the roof of the Truman Brewery bridge. This required close collaboration with the venue team and structural engineers on both sides to ensure the installation was both safe and structurally sound.
The Solution
Given the fragile nature of the building, West End Rigging had to engineer a bespoke support structure that reduced the need for excessive ballast—necessary to counteract the wind loading from the giant inflatable. This solution involved carefully distributing the load across designated areas to protect the roof, all while preserving the clean, cohesive appearance of the installation.
In addition, WER designed and constructed a custom platform that not only integrated with the ballast system but also securely anchored the inflatable character in place. The decking had to be both structurally functional and aesthetically aligned with the overall creative vision, ensuring that every element blended together.
The Results
Seamless rigging design
Invisible structural support
Engineering precision met artistic intent
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