Forging Identity Through Sculpture: How Metal Art is Shaping Modern Spaces

In the age of fleeting trends and hyper-digital design, there’s a renewed longing for physicality — for things we can touch, walk around, and feel rooted in. That’s why sculpture is making a powerful return — not in galleries alone, but in homes, public spaces, offices, and hospitality environments.

At the heart of this shift is FormForge, a contemporary sculpture studio based in India, where I, Abhinav Goyal, along with a dedicated team, work at the intersection of material, form, and story.

We specialize in large-scale metal sculptures crafted using modern technologies like parametric modeling, laser cutting, and digital fabrication. Our material palette includes corten steel, stainless steel, brass, and occasionally, FRP for organic forms — each chosen based on how it complements the story we’re telling.

But what sets FormForge apart isn’t just the material or scale — it’s the intent. Every piece we create begins with a concept. A butterfly bound in chains to reflect the illusion of freedom. A mobius loop bar counter that invites interaction. A 9-foot wall sculpture that silently stares back at you, faceted and expressive.

We believe art should not just be seen. It should be experienced.

The Process Behind the Form

Every sculpture at FormForge goes through a multi-step process:

Concept Development:

We start with narratives, themes, or site-specific ideas. Some are surreal — like merging animal forms with geometry. Others are architectural — creating monolithic icons that anchor a space.

Digital Modeling:

Using tools like Rhino 7, Grasshopper, and Blender, we develop 3D models, often low-poly or parametric, that respond to light, shadow, and movement. This is also where we solve geometry challenges — planarizing complex meshes, optimizing structures for metal cutting, and simulating assembly.

Fabrication:

Once finalized, the model is exploded into flat patterns for CNC laser cutting. These are transferred to sheet metal (SS304, corten, etc.), bent, welded, and treated with finishes — from rusted patina to mirror-polished reflections.

Installation:

We don’t just ship art. We install it, often in complex urban or interior contexts — be it a roundabout in Hyderabad or a penthouse in Gurugram.

Why Sculpture Matters Now

Today’s audiences, especially in architecture and real estate, crave originality. A sculpture in an entry court does what a signboard or a fountain can’t — it makes people remember. It evokes emotion. It creates place identity.

FormForge sculptures are increasingly being used by:

Architects to add narrative to built form

Interior designers to fuse function with statement

Urban planners and landscape architects to animate public spaces

Luxury homeowners to make private spaces expressive

In many ways, sculpture becomes the bridge between structure and soul.

A Studio Built on Collaboration

FormForge isn’t just about my vision — it’s a collaborative practice. We work closely with architects, interior stylists, engineers, and digital artists to make every piece efficient, buildable, and meaningful.

Some of our signature works include:

https://formforge.com/about

Twin Spirits, a mirrored flame-like pair installed at a tech plaza

The Meditating Lady, a layered corten face on a raw wall

The Parametric Bar, with fluid loops and polished stainless steel detailing

If you're a designer, artist, architect, or simply someone who believes that design should stir something within, I invite you to explore our work.

📍 Visit our portfolio

Author Bio:

Abhinav Goyal is the founder of FormForge, a design studio building large-scale sculptures and functional installations in metal. His work blends parametric geometry, artistic storytelling, and architectural integration across India and beyond.