Handling of Two Monumental Pigeon Sculptures near Paris

Heavy Lifting in Île-de-France: Bovis Relocates Two 16-Tonne Monumental Sculptures in Grigny, South of Paris

On February 10, 2025, the teams from the Bovis Group carried out a highly complex heavy lifting and delicate handling operation in the heart of Grigny (Essonne, South of Paris). The mission involved the dismantling, lifting, and transportation of two monumental reinforced concrete sculptures, each weighing 16 tonnes, located on Place de la Treille in the Grande Borne district.

This highly technical intervention showcases Bovis Group’s expertise in oversized load handling, structural constraint management in urban settings, and the transport of monumental artworks in sensitive environments.
 

A Strategic Lifting Operation in a Constrained Urban Environment

The two sculptures were installed above an underground car park, making access for trucks or conventional lifting equipment impossible. To overcome this challenge, Bovis technical teams deployed a 650-tonne mobile crane, capable of executing a vertical lift over nearby buildings.

This precision lifting operation required thorough coordination with the city’s technical services, architects, and site supervision teams. Thanks to our proven expertise in logistical planning and access management, the operation was completed safely and in full respect of the existing infrastructure and underground structures.

A Custom-Made Steel Frame for Handling and Transport

To ensure the stability, safety, and controlled handling of the sculptures at every stage, our engineers designed a custom steel cradle, developed to serve as:
▪️ A lifting support for crane operations,
▪️ A secure packaging structure for road transport,
▪️ And a technical base for future storage.

This cradle was fully manufactured in our in-house metalwork workshop, which specializes in engineering solutions for heavy and sensitive transport. The multi-purpose frame meets the highest standards of safety, mechanical resistance, and operational flexibility, including integrated lifting points, securing zones for strapping, and interfaces compatible with various lifting and transfer equipment.

A Specialized Fleet and Expert Handling Team

The sculptures were transported using a low-bed trailer, assisted by a crane truck for unloading and repositioning tasks. The operation was supervised by a dedicated team including:
▪️ 5 heavy-lifting handling specialists,
▪️ 1 logistics project manager,
▪️ And the Bovis Group technical engineering office.

This mission once again demonstrates our ability to mobilize exceptional technical and human resources for operations involving the transport and handling of monumental structures in complex urban environments.

Bovis: Experts in the Handling of Monumental Sculptures

As a key player in industrial lifting and specialized heavy transport, the Bovis Group frequently intervenes in the handling of large-scale sculptures, architectural elements, or heritage pieces that cannot be transported by conventional means.

With our in-house engineering office, fine metalwork services, custom structure fabrication, and a fleet of specialized vehicles, we deliver comprehensive solutions for the logistics of sensitive oversized loads, always with a high level of technical rigor.

A Heritage in Motion

The two sculptures relocated in Grigny — the iconic Pigeons by artist François-Xavier Lalanne — have been a key part of the urban landscape of Grande Borne for over 50 years. Their temporary removal is part of a wider urban redevelopment program. Thanks to Bovis' intervention, these artworks will be preserved, secured, and reinstalled once the works are completed, ensuring continuity of the neighborhood’s cultural and visual heritage.

Need a partner for the handling of a monumental sculpture or an exceptional heritage element? Contact us today!