Blog, Central Chelmsford, Public Art, Public Realm

Central Chelmsford – artworks in progress

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The timber seating units for The Gate – a set of 6 radius benches with cnc routed text – are currently being installed at the Central Chelmsford site. The benches are being manufactured by City Squared in Leeds & installed by Ground Control. The designs were developed in collaboration with City Squared.  The cnc routed text refers to the history, location and memory of the space & is defined by the adjacency of the Anne Knight Building, which has been refurbished & is considered the anchor building of the development site.

Plan drawing showing the arrangement of radius timber benches within the area known as The Gate.
Plan drawing showing the arrangement of radius timber benches within the area known as The Gate.
One of the benches in the factory during manufacture by City Squared.
One of the benches in the factory during manufacture by City Squared. Image by City Squared.
Detail: Timber sections set out in the factory. Note the cnc routed text.
Detail: Timber sections set out in the factory. Note the cnc routed text. Image by City Squared.
For engineering & structural reasons, the long arcs of the benches had to be constructed in two sections.
For engineering & structural reasons, the long arcs of the benches had to be constructed in two sections. Image by City Squared
Each of the benches has a timber upstand end against which one can rest or lean. The timber detail is reinforced with a stainless steel internal frame and horizontal steel pins.
Each of the benches has a timber upstand end against which one can rest or lean. The timber detail is reinforced with a stainless steel internal frame and horizontal steel pins. Image by City Squared
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The detailing is very well engineered and finished. Image by City Squared
The timber benches sit atop a brick built plinth, which mirrors the semi circular setting out of the site. The benches here have not be fully installed and fastened.
The timber benches sit atop a brick built plinth, which mirrors the semi circular setting out of the site. The benches here have not be fully installed and fastened. Image by Ground Control

 

 

Detail of cnc routed text
Detail of cnc routed text. The benches are constructed in two sections. The sections have yet to be aligned during installation. Image by Ground Control
Image by City Squared.
Image by City Squared.

 

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