TIGERSTADEN

When Måneproduksjoner and Netron approached us in late 2024, we knew this was no ordinary project. The assignment was clear: to create a full-scale tiger. Not for a museum. Not for a park. But as a rooftop statement piece for a new bar at Oslo Airport Gardermoen. The high-resolution tiger model, which served as the foundation for both the physical production and the projection work, was created by Goldbox on behalf of Grid branding.

In Pursuit of Precision

Projects like this demand more than craftsmanship. They require engineering expertise, smart material choices and a clear focus on quality throughout the process. We began by CNC-milling the tiger’s main body, including the tail and legs, from polystyrene. The material is lightweight and easy to shape, making it ideal for large-scale sculptures that need to be transported and installed efficiently.

Some features demanded greater precision. The mouth. The claws. Details that give the sculpture character and expression. We turned to 3D printing to create these components. This additive manufacturing process allowed us to shape fine details with high accuracy. Each element was printed in segments, assembled with care, and refined by hand to create a seamless and lifelike surface.

Behind the sculptural surface lies solid construction. Larger components like the legs and tail were reinforced with internal steel rods and bonded with epoxy for maximum strength and stability.

The entire sculpture was then coated with four layers of Jesmonite, a durable and environmentally friendly composite material well suited for public installations. Pigment was added to achieve a deep sandy tone. The tiger’s stripes and piercing gaze were projected onto the surface and hand-painted with millimetre precision.

The final touch came through Netron’s digital expertise. Using advanced projection mapping, they created a 360-degree visual layer across the tiger’s surface. Multiple projectors bring the sculpture to life with shifting colours, moving graphics and animated sequences that play in continuous cycles. The result is a dynamic visual experience that changes throughout the day and night.

Vision in Motion

The tiger at Oslo Airport is more than a sculpture. It is a result of creativity, technology and collaboration at its best. Måneproduksjoner defined the vision. Netron created the digital experience. Eker Design delivered precision, craft and execution. A landmark built to stand out. Welcome to Tigerstaden.