독일에서 개최된 2014 IFAT에 방문객들의 시선을 사로잡는 독특한 모래 조각상이 전시됐다. 조각상은 전시홀 바닥에 설치된 Hydro International의 부스로 로댕의 생각하는 사람을 재창조했다. 
3m 높이의 조각상은 세계적으로 유명한 모래 아티스트 Niall Andrew Magee와 Benno Lindel.가 만들었다. 조각상의 테마는 "모래 제거의 예술"로 폐수처리 플랜트의 운영자가 그들의 모래제거에 대한 접근을 다시 생각하는 목적으로 제작됐다.

A unique sand structure was displayed at IFAT 2014, which caught the attention of many passersby at the notable event held in Munich, Germany. Featured in Hydro International’s booth on the exhibit hall show floor, the large structure served as a reproduction of Auguste Rodin's famed sculpture, The Thinker.

The 3m-high masterpiece was crafted throughout the five-day show by world-renowned sand artists Niall Andrew Magee and Benno Lindel. Promoting the theme "The Fine Art of Grit Removal", the sculpture was designed to challenge designers and operators of wastewater treatment plants to rethink their approach to grit removal.

Seven tons of carefully-selected fine sand were shipped to the booth to create the novel replica of Rodin's best-known work, which gradually took shape to the amazement of visitors during the conference. "We wanted to create a spectacle on the booth that would capture people's imagination and get them to think again about fine grit," said Hydros International's Business Director Clive Evans.

He continued, "Conventional thinking about fine grit removal is being overturned by scientific research and operating practice that shows that particle size, shape, specific gravity, and composition all influence settling velocities and affect removal efficiencies. Taking out finer grit particles than has been accepted practice could result in better plant performance and energy efficiency."

[출처 = Water World/ 2014년 5월 21일]