Unibird

Unibird was a temporary multidisciplinary art project in which technology, sculpture, and participation merged into a poetic installation for the city of Lelystad. Commissioned by Stadsmuseum Lelystad and Lelystad City Marketing, Sober Industries designed a wooden sculpture of an eagle — the so-called Lelystad “sparrow” — based on the city’s promotional logo.

Mothership developed the project concept, led the participation process, and handled the full project management. In preparation for the installation, Mothership collected stories, images, and associations from Lelystad residents around themes such as freedom, identity, and connection to the city. This local input was woven into the project and became the foundation for the visual design of the animations.

During the opening weekend of the annual LelystART festival, the sculpture was transformed into a living light object. In collaboration with Studio Rewind, the eagle was brought to life after sunset through custom-made projections using 3D mapping technology. Via an interactive touch panel, visitors could directly influence the visuals, resulting in a playful and mesmerizing light spectacle that captivated a wide audience.

Though temporary in nature, Unibird left a lasting impression. The project demonstrated how digital technology, local stories, and artistic craftsmanship can come together to create a meaningful experience in public space — a temporary intervention with a lasting impact on the city and its residents.