2008 / Catalyst is a permanent work sited in the cultural quarter of Dundee in Scotland.
Catalyst takes the form of a draped life-sized car that has been cast in special catalytic cement.
This is a new type of concrete material that performs a strange alchemy, hidden within its make up
is a catalytic material (nano-crystalline grade of titanium dioxide) that reacts with light to trigger
the molecules of air borne pollutants, such as nitric oxides, carbon monoxide and sulphur monoxide
to break apart. Daylight initiates a reaction where the active concrete surface converts harmful nitrogen
oxides into harmless nitrate this in turn reacts with the calcium hydroxide of the concrete surface
and drains off with the next rainfall into soils where plants can use it. This is the first time
this material has been used in the UK. More information in www.catalystdundee.com

The artwork was commissioned by Dundee City Council and a Scottish Arts Council
Creative Scotland Award funded all the research and early trials with the material.