Origin – Monumental Public Sculpture at the National Biotechnology Research Park, Taipei, Taiwan

Contemporary Public Art by Juanjo Novella – Stainless Steel Sculpture for Institutional and Urban Spaces

National Biotechnology Research Park – Sinica Academy, Taipei, Taiwan

Academia Sinica is one of the world’s leading biotechnology parks, located in Taipei, Taiwan.
These two sculptures are located at the park’s main entrance. They work in harmony—one, slender, reaching for the sky; the other, as tall as a human being.

Both pieces reflect the nature of the park: health and science. However, they can also be experienced individually as independent artworks.

Space Interaction – Sense of Place
Interaction with the environment and the surrounding space has been crucial to this project. On the one hand, the challenge was to create two emblematic monumental sculptures with a theme directly related to the institution’s nature; on the other, it was essential to honor the significance of the location.

Two visibly powerful landmarks were created, projecting prestige and imbuing the main entrance with nobility. The park’s natural surroundings host endemic species, so the lighting system was designed with a very low beam to protect wildlife.

In this setting, where nature and city meet, the proposal emphasizes both—enhancing the space and creating a unique identity.

Origin – At the beginning of life and science

Forged entirely by hand from stainless steel, Origin takes the form of an egg—a timeless symbol of beginnings, creation, and potential. The piece invites reflection on one of humanity’s oldest questions: What came first, the chicken or the egg?

Here, the egg becomes the foundation of science: the desire to know, to see, and to discover what lies within things, and above all, the quest to understand what is at the origin of life.

A sculptural journey inward

Origin presents an egg with a precise circular aperture, allowing viewers to look inside. At first glance, the interior appears dark, yet within is another, smaller egg—brighter, reflective, and symbolically mirroring the observer. This visual progression speaks of layers of knowledge waiting to be revealed.

Symbolism: curiosity as the core of science

The metaphor is immediate and needs no further explanation. The sculpture is a tribute to scientists and their inexhaustible curiosity, honoring the relentless human drive to uncover what lies at the heart of existence.

Public art with lasting meaning

Origin is an example of how custom monumental sculptures for institutional spaces can carry profound symbolic weight while enhancing a site’s cultural and visual identity. As part of the Sinica ensemble, it stands as a quiet yet powerful complement to Target, together forming a dialogue between aspiration and genesis.

Commissioning public art that inspires

Origin shows how site-specific stainless steel sculptures can transform public spaces into places of meaning and reflection. If you are exploring how to hire a sculptor for a civic or institutional project, Juanjo Novella creates works that unite symbolic clarity, technical mastery, and enduring beauty.