Tag Archives: Bespoke Cast Concrete

The Dell – Southampton FC & Matt Le Tissier’s Right Foot

The Dell, Southampton 2004. Central Courtyard works on site. Matt Le Tissier stud-printed relief cast concrete retaining wall. Design & Image: Christopher Tipping

 

In 2001, was commissioned by Elizabeth Smith, the Public Arts Officer for Southampton City Council to collaborate with the project client Barratt Homes, to create an interpretive landscape artwork for the central courtyard of the former Dell Football ground. The Dell was demolished in 2001 by Hughes and Salvidge. I was able to visit the ground to document the site just before this process began and just after the last game had been played.

The Club moved from the Dell in 2001 to the brand new St Mary’s Stadium. 

 

“a lovely dell with a gurgling stream and lofty aspens” Philip Brannon 1850

 

“On 19 May 2001, midfielder Matt Le Tissier, (who retired from playing a year later) said goodbye to the stadium that had been host to his entire professional career by scoring a volley in the final minutes of the final league game securing a 3–2 win against. Le Tissier has the distinction of scoring the last competitive goal at The Dell. On 26 May, the club’s fans said goodbye to the Dell by stripping all of its seats, the pitch and even an advertising board after Southampton’s last game at the stadium, a 1-0 victory in a friendly against Brighton & Hove Albion, the first and last opponents at the stadium. The last goal ever scored at the Dell was by Uwe Rosler”. Wikipedia

“The final league goal witnessed by the Dell was Le Tissier’s 89th-minute winner against Arsenal, a fitting tribute from the forward to his home for 16 years and to the fans who could not imagine life without him. Club fortunes fluctuate, players come and go but Le Tissier has infected those who have witnessed his feats on the south coast and their worshipping will go on long after his boots are finally hung up”. The Guardian 21st May 2001

The Dell, Southampton 2004. Central Courtyard works on site. Design: Christopher Tipping. Images: Joe Low

 

The Dell, Southampton 2004. Central Courtyard works on site. Design: Christopher Tipping. Images: Joe Low

 

The Dell, Southampton 2004. External view of the site with Marketing Suite. Central Courtyard artworks on site. Image: Christopher Tipping

 

The Dell, Southampton 2004. Bespoke cast red & white terrazzo benches by Pallam Precast arrive on site. Design & Image: Christopher Tipping

 

The Dell, Southampton 2001. Maps & Concept Drawings. Designs & Image: Christopher Tipping

 

The Dell, Southampton 2001. Maps & Concept Drawings. Designs & Image: Christopher Tipping

 

‘The site on which the ground was built was described in Philip Brannon’s Picture of Southampton, published in 1850, as “a lovely dell with a gurgling stream and lofty aspens”. The stream is the Rollsbrook which flows out of Southampton Common, running parallel to Hill Lane before disappearing under Commercial Road and Southampton Central Station, from where it is conduited under Southampton Docks into Southampton Water.

The land had been purchased in the 1880s by the Didcot, Newbury and Southampton Railway to enable them to continue their line from Winchester via Twyford, Chandlers Ford, a tunnel at Chilworth and Shirley where it was to pass to the North East of what is nowSt James’ Park, Southampton and St James’ Church. From here the line would have travelled south across Hill Lane to run through the dell and onto an embankment leading to a viaduct over Commercial Road and the London and South Western Railway line before terminating on the Western Esplanade North of the Royal Pier.

The dell was stripped of vegetation and the stream channelled into a conduit with work started on the embankment, which survives behind property to the North of Commercial Road but was never used, and the viaduct which was part built but later demolished.’  Wikipedia

 

I wanted to recreate this idea of ‘a lovely dell with a gurgling stream and trees’, as well as represent something important about the history of football and of Southampton FC on this site. It appeared that the centre circle of the pitch was exactly where the stream had originally passed through and was now culverted underground. The radius of the centre circle on a football pitch is 9.15m. My design reflects this. The centre spot is in exactly the same space it would have been on any match day. 11 trees are planted around the circumference to reflect the squad of 11 who would have played each game. The raw cast concrete retaining walls, steps and planting beds retain something of the look and feel of the original football terraces. Several bespoke cast terrazzo benches with white aggregate in a red cement matrix face into the centre. These reflect the club colours.

The most notable detail is the textured low-relief elevation exposed around the centre circle. This is the stud print of Matt Le Tissier’s right football boot – or so I was led to believe. We contacted the club during this project and this was the boot I was sent. I so want to believe it. I wore the boot to  make the original mould, by running over a bed of clay. I still have it. The idea was to recreate and remember the raw play and boots on muddy ground which embodies the spirit of play.

I approached Patterns & Moulds Ltd, a fantastic company, I have since worked with on several projects. Established in 1967, Patterns & Moulds remains the largest independent and privately owned mould maker in the UK.

 

Matt Le Tissier’s right football boot. The Dell, Southampton 2004. Development of cast concrete relief moulds. Design & Image: Christopher Tipping

 

Matt Le Tissier’s right football boot. The Dell, Southampton 2004. Development of cast concrete relief moulds. Design & Image: Christopher Tipping

 

Matt Le Tissier’s right football boot. The Dell, Southampton 2004. Development of cast concrete relief moulds. Design & Image: Christopher Tipping

 

Matt Le Tissier’s right football boot. The Dell, Southampton 2004. Development of cast concrete relief moulds. Design & Image: Christopher Tipping

 

The Dell, Southampton 2001. Maps & Concept Drawings. Designs & Image: Christopher Tipping

 

The Dell, Southampton 2001. Concept Drawings. Designs & Image: Christopher Tipping

 

The Dell, Southampton 2001. Concept Drawings. Designs & Image: Christopher Tipping

 

The Dell, Southampton 2001. Concept Drawings. Designs & Image: Christopher Tipping

 

The Dell, Southampton 2001. Plan Drawings for setting out. Designs & Image: Christopher Tipping

 

The Dell, Southampton 2003. Final Draft Artwork. Designs & Image: Christopher Tipping

 

The Dell, Southampton 2003. Final Draft Artwork & Planting Scheme. Designs & Image: Christopher Tipping

 

The Dell, Southampton 2001. Just prior to demolition works starting. Image: Christopher Tipping

 

The Dell, Southampton 2001. Dusty footprints & concrete terraces. Just prior to demolition works starting. Image: Christopher Tipping

 

The Dell, Southampton 2001. Concrete terrace number 5. Who would have stood here on match day?Just prior to demolition works starting. Image: Christopher Tipping

 

The Dell, Southampton 2001. Just prior to demolition works starting. Image: Christopher Tipping

 

The Dell, Southampton 2001. Just prior to demolition works starting. Image: Christopher Tipping

 

Turf had been stripped off the pitch by fans eager to take a piece of footballing history home with them.

 

The Dell, Southampton 2001. Just prior to demolition works starting. Image: Christopher Tipping

 

The Dell, Southampton 2004. Central Courtyard works on site. Design & Image: Christopher Tipping

 

The Dell, Southampton 2004. Central Courtyard works on site. Design & Image: Christopher Tipping

 

Sunburn

 

The Dell, Southampton 2004. Central Courtyard works on site. Design & Image: Christopher Tipping

Above: All the concrete works were delivered in-situ, with timber formwork constructed on site. The concrete retaining structures and curving walls created a series of interlinked paths and terraces, which were then backfilled with soil or compacted gravels to create the finished terrace levels. The Matt Le Tissier stud-print concrete feature relief-wall was also cast in-situ on site with bespoke rubber moulds and timber formwork. The raw, unfinished concrete surfaces emulated the original hard terrace construction at the Dell Football ground.

Matt Le Tissier’s right football boot. The Dell, Southampton 2004. Bespoke in-situ cast concrete. Design & Image: Christopher Tipping

 

The Dell, Southampton 2004. Bespoke in-situ cast concrete. Design & Image: Christopher Tipping

 

The Dell, Southampton 2004. Bespoke in-situ cast concrete. Design & Image: Christopher Tipping

 

The Dell, Southampton 2004. Central Courtyard works on site. Design & Image: Christopher Tipping

Above: Elizabeth Smith, Public Arts Officer, Southampton City Council 1998 – 2011, talking with the Project Site Manager.

 

The Dell, Southampton 2004. Central Courtyard works on site. Design & Image: Christopher Tipping

 

The Dell, Southampton 2004. Central Courtyard works on site. Design & Image: Christopher Tipping

 

The Dell, Southampton 2004. Bespoke in-situ cast concrete. Design & Image: Christopher Tipping

 

The Dell, Southampton 2001. Concept Drawings. Section through terraces and stream. Designs & Image: Christopher Tipping

 

Above & Below: The Rollsbrook Stream was re-imagined as a shallow rill flowing through the courtyard.

The Dell, Southampton 2004. Bespoke in-situ cast concrete. Design & Image: Christopher Tipping

 

The Dell, Southampton 2004. Bespoke in-situ cast concrete. Design & Image: Christopher Tipping

 

The Dell, Southampton 2004. Bespoke in-situ cast concrete. First of 11 trees in place. Design & Image: Christopher Tipping

 

The Dell, Southampton 2004. Bespoke in-situ cast concrete. Ground lighting being installed. Design & Image: Christopher Tipping

 

The Dell, Southampton. Groundsman preparation of the pitch was a thing of beauty & skill. Image: SFC Date Unknown.

 

The Dell, Southampton 2004. Bespoke in-situ cast concrete. Bright green turf being laid. Design & Image: Christopher Tipping

 

The Dell, Southampton 2004. Bespoke in-situ cast concrete. Design & Image: Christopher Tipping

 

The Dell, Southampton 2004. Bespoke in-situ cast concrete. Design & Image: Christopher Tipping

 

 

The Dell, Southampton 2004. Central Courtyard works on site. Design & Image: Christopher Tipping

 

The Dell, Southampton 2004. Bespoke cast terrazzo benches by Pallam Precast arrive on site. Design & Image: Christopher Tipping

 

The Dell, Southampton 2004. Bespoke cast terrazzo benches by Pallam Precast arrive on site. Design & Image: Christopher Tipping

 

The Dell, Southampton 2004. Bespoke cast red & white terrazzo benches by Pallam Precast arrive on site. Design & Image: Christopher Tipping

 

The Dell, Southampton 2004. Bespoke cast red & white terrazzo benches by Pallam Precast are installed on site. Design & Image: Christopher Tipping

 

The Dell, Southampton 2004. Central Courtyard works on site. Design & Image: Christopher Tipping

 

The Dell, Southampton 2004. Central Courtyard works on site. Design & Image: Christopher Tipping

 

Chatham Placemaking Project – SEATING Part Two

Progress on Chatham Street Benches at Andrew Lapthorn’s workshop in December 2018. Image: Andrew Lapthorn

Working with Andrew Lapthorn has been amazing. We have collaborated really well. He has done ALL the hard work. His craftsmanship is of the highest quality. The timber elements he has contributed to the project are artworks in their own right and I can’t wait to see them all installed. I know for a fact that he has been documenting his process throughout the project and that he has some amazing images. I am really hoping to get my hands on them and bask in his reflected glory.

He did in fact let a few images slip from his grasp – and they are reproduced here.

A visit to Andrew Lapthorn’s workshop in November 2018. Image: Christopher Tipping

 

I showed the image above in the last post, but needed to upload again so you can make sense of the images to follow. This shows a single plank of elm being bent to shape over the formwork. The radius laminate seat involves laminating and bending 45 individual layers of English Elm to create the final work. Each layer may contain up to 3 or 4 individual cut planks of timber. The effect of this is to create not only a robust and highly engineered structure, but a sculptural object with beautiful aesthetics, colour variation and flow.

 

Progress on Chatham Street Benches at Andrew Lapthorn’s workshop in December 2018. Image: Andrew Lapthorn

 

Progress on Chatham Street Benches at Andrew Lapthorn’s workshop in December 2018. Image: Andrew Lapthorn

 

Progress on Chatham Street Benches at Andrew Lapthorn’s workshop in December 2018. Image: Andrew Lapthorn

 

Progress on Chatham Street Benches at Andrew Lapthorn’s workshop in December 2018. Image: Andrew Lapthorn

 

Margate Steps – A look back in time

The last decade has seen Margate’s cultural landscape flourish with the dual success of Turner Contemporary and a resurgent Dreamland to book-end the seafront panorama. Successful regeneration by Thanet Council has also brought significant and tangible changes to the Old Town. One of the most significant outcomes delivered by the Council without fanfare or drama however, has been the Margate Flood & Coastal Protection Scheme – also known more fondly as Margate Steps. A scheme funded by the Environment Agency to the tune of £6million pounds and brought in on time and under budget …and somewhat under the radar. This example of coastal civil engineering encompassed not only the Steps, but the Harbour Arm and Sea Wall along Marine Drive. This elegant and functional concrete stepped revetment structure has also brought a much needed and highly activated public realm and pedestrian space to the Town.

Throughout its history, a major catalyst for change and development in Margate had been the destructive force of storms and storm surges. These pages are taken from the Contextual Research Document, which I delivered in collaboration with the project team.

MARGATE STEPS CONTEXTUAL RESEARCH DOCUMENT 1

Margate Flood & Coastal Protection Scheme – Contextual Research Text Image: Christopher Tipping
Margate Flood & Coastal Protection Scheme – Contextual Research Text Image: Christopher Tipping
Margate Flood & Coastal Protection Scheme – Contextual Research Text Image: Christopher Tipping

 

Margate Flood & Coastal Protection Scheme – Towards Turner Contemporary May 2013. Image: Christopher Tipping

I was commissioned as project artist on the scheme by Thanet District Council & the Environment Agency in December 2010. My role was to uncover and present  interpretive & contextual information & develop concepts with which to influence the design process & inform the structure & detailing of this major sea defence works. The work has now been completed and the project officially opened in May 2013.

Margate Flood & Coastal Protection Scheme – lunch al fresco May 2013. Image: Christopher Tipping

Client: TDC & Margate Renewal Partnership. Engineers: East Kent Engineering PracticeLandscape Architects and Urban Designers: Jacobs. Contractor: BreheneySpecialist Concrete Pre Cast: CCP Cornish Concrete Products.

Being part of an integrated design team from an early point was critical in enabling the contextual work, via a contribution to the detailed DESIGN & ACCESS STATEMENT , to influence the physical form of the structure, within its constraints as a sea defence work.

Margate Flood & Coastal Protection Scheme – evening light March 2013. Image: Christopher Tipping

The public realm and amenity space which the project afforded Margate’s sea front has been a tremendous addition to an enlivened and highly activated sea front promenade which has Turner Contemporary and the Harbour Arm at one end & Margate Station & Dreamland at the other.

Margate Flood & Coastal Protection Scheme – The New King’s Stairs May 2013. Image: Christopher Tipping

…and what about the Station signage…

If you know Southampton well – you may never really notice the Station signage. Things may be a little tricky if you are a visitor. The arrival and departure from a great sea city like Southampton surely needs a bit of a signage upgrade. I am no typographer and this is a specialist area – but I can’t resist an opportunity –

Approaching Southampton Central Station - would you know that? Southampton Station Quarter North Project. Image: Project Artist Christopher Tipping
Approaching Southampton Central Station – would you know that? Southampton Station Quarter North Project. Image: Project Artist Christopher Tipping
The Station approach from another angle - albeit a very dull day. Not exactly shouting its presence. Southampton Station Quarter North Project. Image: Project Artist Christopher Tipping
The Station approach from another angle – albeit a very dull day. Not exactly shouting its presence. Southampton Station Quarter North Project. Image: Project Artist Christopher Tipping
Just an idea ! Discussion proposal / concept / option for new Station signage. Southampton Station Quarter North Project. Image: Project Artist Christopher Tipping
Just an idea ! Discussion proposal / concept / option for new Station signage. Southampton Station Quarter North Project. Image: Project Artist Christopher Tipping

…and from the top of Overline House

Tuesday 15th March 2016

Very much earlier in the project – back in 2012 – one of the Urban Design consultants on the project – I think from Urban Initiatives – managed to get access to the roof of Overline House, which sits adjacent to the train lines and overlooks our site.

A short film from this vantage point can be seen by clicking on this link – Station Quarter from Overline House 

This image is seen below – along with another taken this week from a similar vantage point on the roof.

A section of Southampton Station Quarter North Project on Wyndham Place as seen from the roof of Overline House on Blechynden Terrace in 2016 & 2012. 2016 Image by Project Artist Christopher Tipping. 2012 Image by Urban Initiatives.
A section of Southampton Station Quarter North Project on Wyndham Place as seen from the roof of Overline House on Blechynden Terrace in 2016 & 2012. 2016 Image by Project Artist Christopher Tipping. 2012 Image by Urban Initiatives.
A section of Southampton Station Quarter North Project on Wyndham Place as seen from the roof of Overline House,  Blechynden Terrace. Image by Project Artist Christopher Tipping
A section of Southampton Station Quarter North Project on Wyndham Place as seen from the roof of Overline House, Blechynden Terrace. Image by Project Artist Christopher Tipping
A section of Southampton Station Quarter North Project, Wyndham Place as seen from the roof of Overline House,  Blechynden Terrace. Image by Project Artist Christopher Tipping
A section of Southampton Station Quarter North Project, Wyndham Place as seen from the roof of Overline House, Blechynden Terrace. Image by Project Artist Christopher Tipping
A section of Southampton Station Quarter North Project - Wyndham Place & Station Forecourt as seen from the roof of Overline House,  Blechynden Terrace. Image by Project Artist Christopher Tipping
A section of Southampton Station Quarter North Project – Wyndham Place & Station Forecourt as seen from the roof of Overline House, Blechynden Terrace. Image by Project Artist Christopher Tipping
A section of Southampton Station Quarter North Project - Wyndham Place & Station Forecourt as seen from the roof of Overline House,  Blechynden Terrace. Image by Project Artist Christopher Tipping
A section of Southampton Station Quarter North Project – Wyndham Place & Station Forecourt as seen from the roof of Overline House, Blechynden Terrace. Image by Project Artist Christopher Tipping
A section of Southampton Station Quarter North Project - Blechynden Terrace & Station Forecourt as seen from the roof of Overline House,  Blechynden Terrace. Image by Project Artist Christopher Tipping
A section of Southampton Station Quarter North Project – Blechynden Terrace & Station Forecourt as seen from the roof of Overline House, Blechynden Terrace. Image by Project Artist Christopher Tipping
A section of Southampton Station Quarter North Project - Blechynden Terrace & Station Forecourt as seen from the roof of Overline House,  Blechynden Terrace. Image by Project Artist Christopher Tipping
A section of Southampton Station Quarter North Project – Blechynden Terrace & Station Forecourt as seen from the roof of Overline House, Blechynden Terrace. Image by Project Artist Christopher Tipping
A section of Southampton Station Quarter North Project - Blechynden Terrace & Station Forecourt as seen from the roof of Overline House,  Blechynden Terrace. Image by Project Artist Christopher Tipping
A section of Southampton Station Quarter North Project – Blechynden Terrace & Station Forecourt as seen from the roof of Overline House, Blechynden Terrace. Image by Project Artist Christopher Tipping
A section of Southampton Station Quarter North Project - Blechynden Terrace & Station Forecourt as seen from the roof of Overline House,  Blechynden Terrace. Image by Project Artist Christopher Tipping
A section of Southampton Station Quarter North Project – Blechynden Terrace & Station Forecourt as seen from the roof of Overline House, Blechynden Terrace. Image by Project Artist Christopher Tipping
A section of Southampton Station Quarter North Project - Blechynden Terrace & Station Forecourt as seen from the roof of Overline House,  Blechynden Terrace. Image by Project Artist Christopher Tipping
A section of Southampton Station Quarter North Project – Blechynden Terrace & Station Forecourt as seen from the roof of Overline House, Blechynden Terrace. Image by Project Artist Christopher Tipping
A section of Southampton Station Quarter North Project - Blechynden Terrace & Station Forecourt as seen from the roof of Overline House,  Blechynden Terrace. Image by Project Artist Christopher Tipping
A section of Southampton Station Quarter North Project – Blechynden Terrace & Station Forecourt as seen from the roof of Overline House, Blechynden Terrace. Image by Project Artist Christopher Tipping

 

 

Southampton Station Quarter North Update

Tuesday 15th March 2016

I spent March 15th in Southampton on a site visit to scope out an extension of our current Station Quarter Project to include Kingsbridge Lane – which is a vital pedestrian route to and from the Station, City Centre and Cultural Quarter. I am working again in collaboration with Balfour Beatty Living Places for the client Southampton City Council. Kingsbridge Lane will be a separate storyline on the blog. Look our for that !

You can see a short film of a part of the site by clicking on this link Wyndham Court from Frobisher House

Couldn’t resist the opportunity to take more images of the Station Quarter Project, now that it is nearing completion. I was last in Southampton on Tuesday 9th February. Not a massive difference in the work, although it has definitely moved on – but the weather yesterday was a whole lot nicer – blue sky and great light – perfect chance.

Great shadows ! - Blechynden Terrace - Southampton Station Quarter North Project. Image & Artwork: Christopher Tipping
Great shadows ! – Blechynden Terrace – Southampton Station Quarter North Project. Image & Artwork: Christopher Tipping
Bespoke Cast Concrete wall and steps. Southampton Station Quarter North Project. Image by Project Artist Christopher Tipping
Bespoke Cast Concrete wall and steps. Southampton Station Quarter North Project. Image by Project Artist Christopher Tipping
Bespoke Cast Concrete retaining wall and amphitheatre steps. Southampton Station Quarter North Project. Image by Project Artist Christopher Tipping
Bespoke Cast Concrete retaining wall and amphitheatre steps outside Caffexpresso, Frobisher House. Southampton Station Quarter North Project. Image by Project Artist Christopher Tipping
Bespoke Cast Concrete retaining wall and amphitheatre steps. Southampton Station Quarter North Project. Image by Project Artist Christopher Tipping
Bespoke Cast Concrete retaining wall and amphitheatre steps. Southampton Station Quarter North Project. Image by Project Artist Christopher Tipping
A section of the Southampton Station Quarter North Project, Wyndham Place as seen from outside Caffexpresso, Frobisher House in 2016. The same view is shown in 2012. 2016 Image by Project Artist Christopher Tipping. 2012 Image by Urban Initiatives.
A section of the Southampton Station Quarter North Project, Wyndham Place as seen from outside Caffexpresso, Frobisher House in 2016. The same view is shown in 2012. 2016 Image by Project Artist Christopher Tipping. 2012 Image by Urban Initiatives.
Bespoke Cast Concrete retaining wall and amphitheatre steps outside Frobisher House, Wyndham Place. Southampton Station Quarter North Project. Image by Project Artist Christopher Tipping
Bespoke Cast Concrete retaining wall and amphitheatre steps outside Frobisher House, Wyndham Place. Southampton Station Quarter North Project. Image by Project Artist Christopher Tipping
Bespoke Cast Concrete amphitheatre steps outside Frobisher House, Wyndham Place. Southampton Station Quarter North Project. Image by Project Artist Christopher Tipping
Bespoke Cast Concrete amphitheatre steps outside Frobisher House, Wyndham Place. Southampton Station Quarter North Project. Image by Project Artist Christopher Tipping
Bespoke Cast Concrete retaining wall and ramp outside Frobisher House, Wyndham Place. Southampton Station Quarter North Project. Image by Project Artist Christopher Tipping
Bespoke Cast Concrete retaining wall and ramp outside Frobisher House, Wyndham Place. Southampton Station Quarter North Project. Image by Project Artist Christopher Tipping
Bespoke Cast Concrete retaining wall and amphitheatre steps outside Frobisher House, Wyndham Place. Southampton Station Quarter North Project. Image by Project Artist Christopher Tipping
Bespoke Cast Concrete retaining wall and amphitheatre steps outside Frobisher House, Wyndham Place. Southampton Station Quarter North Project. Image by Project Artist Christopher Tipping
Bespoke Cast Concrete retaining walls, ramp and amphitheatre steps outside Frobisher House, Wyndham Place. Wyndham Court and Overline House are in the background. Southampton Station Quarter North Project. Image by Project Artist Christopher Tipping
Bespoke Cast Concrete retaining walls, ramp and amphitheatre steps outside Frobisher House, Wyndham Place. Wyndham Court and Overline House are in the background. Southampton Station Quarter North Project. Image by Project Artist Christopher Tipping
Bespoke cast concrete retaining wall, ramp and amphitheatre steps outside Caffexpresso, Frobisher House. The Brutalist Wyndham Court is in the background.  Southampton Station Quarter North Project. Image by Project Artist Christopher Tipping
Bespoke cast concrete retaining wall, ramp and amphitheatre steps outside Caffexpresso, Frobisher House. The Brutalist Wyndham Court is in the background. Southampton Station Quarter North Project. Image by Project Artist Christopher Tipping
Bespoke cast concrete retaining walls, ramp and amphitheatre steps outside Caffexpresso, Frobisher House. The Brutalist Wyndham Court and Overline House are in the background.  Southampton Station Quarter North Project. Image by Project Artist Christopher Tipping
Bespoke cast concrete retaining walls, ramp and amphitheatre steps outside Caffexpresso, Frobisher House. The Brutalist Wyndham Court and Overline House are in the background. Southampton Station Quarter North Project. Image by Project Artist Christopher Tipping
Bespoke cast concrete large retaining wall - aka The No.6 Feature - with stainless railing detail. Overline House on Blechynden Terrace is in the background.  Southampton Station Quarter North Project. Image by Project Artist Christopher Tipping
Bespoke cast concrete large retaining wall – aka The No.6 Feature – with stainless railing detail. Overline House on Blechynden Terrace is in the background. Southampton Station Quarter North Project. Image by Project Artist Christopher Tipping
Bespoke cast concrete large retaining wall - aka The No.6 Feature - with stainless railing detail. Skandia House on Commercial Road is in the background.  Southampton Station Quarter North Project. Image by Project Artist Christopher Tipping
Bespoke cast concrete large retaining wall – aka The No.6 Feature – with stainless railing detail. Skandia House on Commercial Road is in the background. Southampton Station Quarter North Project. Image by Project Artist Christopher Tipping

 

Final Champion’s Group ?

Tuesday 9th February 2016

I was invited to attend what was possibly the final Champions Group meeting to review the regeneration work coming to a close at Southampton Station Quarter North. This group of people, representing every walk of life in the local area and community, have been responsible for championing, challenging and keeping the project on its toes since the dawn of the scheme way back in 2012. They have been an invaluable part of the project and I hope that they collectively approve of the work done thus far. Pete Boustred – Transport Policy and Sustainable Travel Team Leader at Southampton City Council, led the walk around site, assisted by Antony Cutajar, Site Manager for Balfour Beatty Services & Wilson Massie, Stakeholder Engagement for Balfour Beatty Living Places.

The last time I had been to site was 28-09-2016 – click this link or scroll down to see this post. 

The landscape forms – bespoke cast concrete seating, amphitheatre steps, ramp and retaining walls are now all installed. Some snagging was still to be completed and soft landscaping was still in progress. As this was February, there was not much to see in terms of greenery ! Meadow seed planting has been carried out – & hopefully the impact of this will be seen later in the year.

This is a simple photo essay of the walk around the site looking at what has been completed.

A few of the 18 'Champions' who attended the site walk. Southampton Station Quarter North. Image: Christopher Tipping
A few of the 18 ‘Champions’ who attended the site walk. Southampton Station Quarter North. Image: Christopher Tipping
Bespoke Cast Concrete Steps and Planting structures outside Marco's Caffexpresso, Nelson Gate, Southampton Station Quarter North. Image: Christopher Tipping
Bespoke Cast Concrete Steps and Planting structures outside Marco’s Caffexpresso, Nelson Gate, Southampton Station Quarter North. Image: Christopher Tipping
Bespoke Cast Concrete Amphitheatre Steps & Granite Paving outside Marco's Caffexpresso, Nelson Gate. Southampton Station Quarter North. Image: Christopher Tipping
Bespoke Cast Concrete Amphitheatre Steps & Granite Paving outside Marco’s Caffexpresso, Nelson Gate. Southampton Station Quarter North. Image: Christopher Tipping
Bespoke Cast Concrete Amphitheatre Steps & Granite Paving outside Marco's Caffexpresso, Nelson Gate. Southampton Station Quarter North. Image: Christopher Tipping
Bespoke Cast Concrete Amphitheatre Steps & Granite Paving outside Marco’s Caffexpresso, Nelson Gate. Southampton Station Quarter North. Image: Christopher Tipping
Pre & during regeneration works - 2011 to 2016, Nelson Gate.  Southampton Station Quarter North. Image: Christopher Tipping
Pre & during regeneration works – 2011 to 2016, Nelson Gate. Southampton Station Quarter North. Image: Christopher Tipping
Bespoke Cast Concrete Amphitheatre Steps & Granite Paving outside Marco's Caffexpresso, Nelson Gate. Southampton Station Quarter North. Image: Christopher Tipping
Bespoke Cast Concrete Amphitheatre Steps & Granite Paving outside Marco’s Caffexpresso, Nelson Gate. Southampton Station Quarter North. Image: Christopher Tipping
Bespoke Cast Concrete Amphitheatre Steps, Ramp & Granite Paving outside Marco's Caffexpresso, Nelson Gate. Southampton Station Quarter North. Image: Christopher Tipping
Bespoke Cast Concrete Amphitheatre Steps, Ramp & Granite Paving outside Marco’s Caffexpresso, Nelson Gate. Southampton Station Quarter North. Image: Christopher Tipping
Bespoke Cast Concrete Amphitheatre Steps & Granite Paving outside Frobisher House, Nelson Gate. Southampton Station Quarter North. Image: Christopher Tipping
Bespoke Cast Concrete Amphitheatre Steps & Granite Paving outside Frobisher House, Nelson Gate. Southampton Station Quarter North. Image: Christopher Tipping
Left: Original site photograph from 2012 by Urban Initiatives. Right: Final Design Proposal by CH2MHill and Christopher Tipping. Southampton Station Quarter North Project.
Left: Original site photograph from 2012 by Urban Initiatives. Right: Final Design Proposal by CH2MHill and Christopher Tipping. Southampton Station Quarter North Project.
Bespoke Cast Concrete Retaining Wall Structure - aka the 'No. 6 Feature' outside Frobisher House, Nelson Gate. Southampton Station Quarter North. Image: Christopher Tipping
Bespoke Cast Concrete Retaining Wall Structure – aka the ‘No. 6 Feature’ outside Frobisher House, Nelson Gate. Southampton Station Quarter North. Image: Christopher Tipping
Bespoke Cast Concrete Retaining Wall Structure - aka the 'No. 6 Feature' outside Frobisher House, Nelson Gate. Southampton Station Quarter North. Image: Christopher Tipping
Bespoke Cast Concrete Retaining Wall Structure – aka the ‘No. 6 Feature’ outside Frobisher House, Nelson Gate. Southampton Station Quarter North. Image: Christopher Tipping
Bespoke Cast Concrete Retaining Wall Structure - aka the 'No. 6 Feature' outside Frobisher House, Nelson Gate. Southampton Station Quarter North. Image: Christopher Tipping
Bespoke Cast Concrete Retaining Wall Structure – aka the ‘No. 6 Feature’ outside Frobisher House, Nelson Gate. Southampton Station Quarter North. Image: Christopher Tipping
Bespoke Cast Concrete Ramp Wall Structure -  outside Frobisher House, Nelson Gate. Southampton Station Quarter North. Project. Image: Christopher Tipping
Bespoke Cast Concrete Ramp Wall Structure – outside Frobisher House, Nelson Gate. Southampton Station Quarter North. Project. Image: Christopher Tipping
Project 'Champions' crossing Blechynden Terrace to the Station Forecourt.  Southampton Station Quarter North Project. Image: Christopher Tipping
Project ‘Champions’ crossing Blechynden Terrace to the Station Forecourt. Southampton Station Quarter North Project. Image: Christopher Tipping
Bespoke Cast Concrete Seating Units - Station Forecourt - Southampton Station Quarter North Project. Image: Christopher Tipping
Bespoke Cast Concrete Seating Units – Station Forecourt – Southampton Station Quarter North Project. Image: Christopher Tipping
Bespoke Cast Concrete Seating Units - Station Forecourt - Southampton Station Quarter North Project. Image: Christopher Tipping
Bespoke Cast Concrete Seating Units – Station Forecourt – Southampton Station Quarter North Project. Image: Christopher Tipping
Bespoke Cast Concrete Seating Units - Station Forecourt - Southampton Station Quarter North Project. Image: Christopher Tipping
Bespoke Cast Concrete Seating Units – Station Forecourt – Southampton Station Quarter North Project. Image: Christopher Tipping
Bespoke Cast Concrete Seating Units - Station Forecourt - Southampton Station Quarter North Project. Image: Christopher Tipping
Bespoke Cast Concrete Seating Units – Station Forecourt – Southampton Station Quarter North Project. Image: Christopher Tipping
Bespoke Cast Concrete Seating Units - Station Forecourt - Southampton Station Quarter North Project. Image: Christopher Tipping
Bespoke Cast Concrete Seating Units – Station Forecourt – Southampton Station Quarter North Project. Image: Christopher Tipping
'Confluence' is part of an LED Lighting Scheme for the project. Southampton Station Quarter North Project. Image: Christopher Tipping
‘Confluence’ is part of an LED Lighting Scheme for the project. Southampton Station Quarter North Project. Image: Christopher Tipping
Bespoke Cast Concrete Seating Units - Junction of Commercial Road and Wyndham Place - Southampton Station Quarter North Project. Image: Christopher Tipping
Bespoke Cast Concrete Seating Units – Junction of Commercial Road and Wyndham Place – Southampton Station Quarter North Project. Image: Christopher Tipping
Bespoke Cast Concrete Seating Units - Commercial Road - Southampton Station Quarter North Project. Image: Christopher Tipping
Bespoke Cast Concrete Seating Units – Commercial Road – Southampton Station Quarter North Project. Image: Christopher Tipping
Bespoke Cast Concrete Seating Units - Commercial Road - Southampton Station Quarter North Project. Image: Christopher Tipping
Bespoke Cast Concrete Seating Units – Commercial Road – Southampton Station Quarter North Project. Image: Christopher Tipping
Bespoke Cast Concrete Seating Units - Commercial Road - Southampton Station Quarter North Project. Image: Christopher Tipping
Bespoke Cast Concrete Seating Units – Commercial Road – Southampton Station Quarter North Project. Image: Christopher Tipping
Bespoke Cast Concrete Seating Units - Commercial Road - Southampton Station Quarter North Project. Image: Christopher Tipping
Bespoke Cast Concrete Seating Units – Commercial Road – Southampton Station Quarter North Project. Image: Christopher Tipping
Bespoke Cast Concrete Seating Units - Commercial Road - Southampton Station Quarter North Project. Image: Christopher Tipping
Bespoke Cast Concrete Seating Units – Commercial Road – Southampton Station Quarter North Project. Image: Christopher Tipping
Bespoke Cast Concrete Seating Units - Commercial Road - Southampton Station Quarter North Project. Image: Christopher Tipping
Bespoke Cast Concrete Seating Units – Commercial Road – Southampton Station Quarter North Project. Image: Christopher Tipping

 

 

 

 

Station Quarter North check-up visit –

Monday 28th September 2015, Station Quarter North, Southampton – 

It’s been a while since I posted an update on the Station Quarter Project

Station Quarter  - A new Gateway to Southampton. Works on site - Image:Christopher Tipping
Station Quarter – A new Gateway to Southampton. Works on site – Image:Christopher Tipping

I met up on site with Simon Taylor – Urban Design Manager, Balfour Beatty Living Places and Pete Boustred  – Transport Policy & Sustainable Travel Team Leader at Southampton City Council. I was first commissioned to work on the interpretive and site responsive elements of the project by Simon at BBLP in 2012.  We have worked together several times previously in the City. BBLP are delivering the project for Southampton City Council.

Massive changes since my last visit if you look at earlier posts, but brilliant to see the project coming together so well. The amphitheatre steps, part of the Phase 2 works on Wyndham Place have arrived and have been lifted into place. There are a number of other structures still with the manufacturer and these are expected to arrive over the coming weeks. The installation of the large-scale  bespoke cast concrete benches, amphitheatre steps and retaining structures manufactured by CCP will continue over the coming weeks. Hopefully I will get down to Southampton again soon to record more progress.

Station Quarter North, Southampton. The view on exiting the Station.  Bespoke cast concrete works being installed on the Station Forecourt as part pf the new public realm and transport hub. Image:Christopher Tipping
Station Quarter North, Southampton. The view on exiting the Station.
Bespoke cast concrete works being installed on the Station Forecourt as part pf the new public realm and transport hub. Image:Christopher Tipping
Station Quarter North, Southampton. Bespoke Cast Concrete Amphitheatre Steps during installation at Wyndham Place. Image:Christopher Tipping
Station Quarter North, Southampton. Bespoke Cast Concrete Amphitheatre Steps during installation at Wyndham Place. Image:Christopher Tipping
Station Quarter North, Southampton. Bespoke Cast Concrete Amphitheatre Steps during installation at Wyndham Place. Image:Christopher Tipping
Station Quarter North, Southampton. Bespoke Cast Concrete Amphitheatre Steps during installation at Wyndham Place. Image:Christopher Tipping

What was a real pain was that although it was a brilliant blue day – this part of the site was in deep shadow, so the images are a bit too dark to do the work justice !

2015-09-28 15.22.09

Station Quarter North, Southampton. Bespoke Cast Concrete Amphitheatre Steps during installation at Wyndham Place. Image:Christopher Tipping
Station Quarter North, Southampton. Bespoke Cast Concrete Amphitheatre Steps during installation at Wyndham Place. Image:Christopher Tipping
Station Quarter North, Southampton. Bespoke Cast Concrete Amphitheatre Steps during installation at Wyndham Place. Image:Christopher Tipping
Station Quarter North, Southampton. Bespoke Cast Concrete Amphitheatre Steps during installation at Wyndham Place. Image:Christopher Tipping

Other cast concrete works are also on site –

These benches are on the Station Forecourt, immediately as you enter or exit the Station building. This is one section of a large curving two tier bench and way-finding feature within the scheme.

Station Quarter North, Southampton. Bespoke cast concrete two tier radius bench awaiting final installation on the Station Forecourt. Image:Christopher Tipping
Station Quarter North, Southampton. Bespoke cast concrete two tier radius bench awaiting final installation on the Station Forecourt. Image:Christopher Tipping
Station Quarter North, Southampton. Bespoke cast concrete two tier radius bench awaiting final installation on the Station Forecourt. Image:Christopher Tipping
Station Quarter North, Southampton. Bespoke cast concrete two tier radius bench awaiting final installation on the Station Forecourt. Image:Christopher Tipping
Station Quarter North, Southampton. Bespoke cast concrete two tier radius bench in multiple sections awaiting final installation on the Station Forecourt. Image:Christopher Tipping
Station Quarter North, Southampton. Bespoke cast concrete two tier radius bench in multiple sections awaiting final installation on the Station Forecourt. Image:Christopher Tipping
Station Quarter North, Southampton. Bespoke four piece cast concrete radius bench during final installation on the Station Forecourt. Image:Christopher Tipping
Station Quarter North, Southampton. Bespoke four piece cast concrete radius bench during final installation on the Station Forecourt. Image:Christopher Tipping
Station Quarter North, Southampton. Bespoke four piece cast concrete radius bench during final installation on the Station Forecourt. Image:Christopher Tipping
Station Quarter North, Southampton. Bespoke four piece cast concrete radius bench during final installation on the Station Forecourt. Image:Christopher Tipping
Station Quarter North, Southampton. Bespoke four piece cast concrete radius bench during final installation on the Station Forecourt. Image:Christopher Tipping
Station Quarter North, Southampton. Bespoke four piece cast concrete radius bench during final installation on the Station Forecourt. Image:Christopher Tipping
Station Quarter North, Southampton. Bespoke four piece cast concrete radius bench during final installation on the Station Forecourt. Image:Christopher Tipping
Station Quarter North, Southampton. Bespoke four piece cast concrete radius bench during final installation on the Station Forecourt. Image:Christopher Tipping
Station Quarter North, Southampton. Bespoke four piece cast concrete radius bench during final installation on Commercial Road. Image:Christopher Tipping
Station Quarter North, Southampton. Bespoke four piece cast concrete radius bench during final installation on Commercial Road. Image:Christopher Tipping
Station Quarter North, Southampton. Bespoke four piece cast concrete radius bench during final installation on Commercial Road. Image:Christopher Tipping
Station Quarter North, Southampton. Bespoke four piece cast concrete radius bench during final installation on Commercial Road. Image:Christopher Tipping
Station Quarter North, Southampton. Bespoke four piece cast concrete radius bench during final installation on Commercial Road. Image:Christopher Tipping
Station Quarter North, Southampton. Bespoke four piece cast concrete radius bench during final installation on Commercial Road. Image:Christopher Tipping

 

 

 

A short film about Civic Voice Awards

A short film has just been posted by Civic Voice about the recent Civic Voice Design Awards 2015. As previously posted – Margate Steps – aka Margate Flood and Coastal Protection Scheme, won the award for Public Realm.

Civic Voice Design Awards Film

Margate Steps wins the 2015 Civic Voice Design Award for Public Realm. Image: Left to right - Geoff Orton, Chris Tipping, Project Artist and Griff Rhys Jones, President of Civic Voice. Photo: Christopher Tipping
Margate Steps wins the 2015 Civic Voice Design Award for Public Realm. Image: Left to right – Geoff Orton, Chris Tipping, Project Artist and Griff Rhys Jones, President of Civic Voice. Photo: Christopher Tipping
Margate Steps wins the 2015 Civic Voice Design Award for Public Realm. Image: Christopher Tipping
Margate Steps wins the 2015 Civic Voice Design Award for Public Realm. Image: Christopher Tipping

‘Margate Steps’ wins the Civic Voice Public Realm Award

At the inaugural Civic Voice Design Awards 2015 held at Central Hall, Westminster on Friday 17th July – ‘Margate Steps’ won the Public Realm Award. 

The project was nominated by the Margate Civic Society. In 2014, the project had been awarded a Civic Award by the local group and it was on the back of this that the nomination for the Civic Voice Award was made. I attended the event with Geoff Orton of the Margate Civic Society.

Margate Steps wins the 2015 Civic Voice Design Award for Public Realm. Image: Christopher Tipping
Margate Steps wins the 2015 Civic Voice Design Award for Public Realm. Image: Christopher Tipping
Margate Steps wins the 2015 Civic Voice Design Award for Public Realm. Image: Christopher Tipping
Margate Steps wins the 2015 Civic Voice Design Award for Public Realm. Image: Christopher Tipping
Margate Steps wins the 2015 Civic Voice Design Award for Public Realm. Image: Christopher Tipping
Margate Steps wins the 2015 Civic Voice Design Award for Public Realm. Image: Christopher Tipping

This project was delivered by a large and diverse integrated design team. I think part of it’s success as a project is certainly down to the collaborative nature of the scheme and that this process was something which contributed from the outset of the works, influencing and challenging the design process at each stage.

Thanet District Council, East Kent Engineering Partnership, Jacobs Urban Design Team, Herrington Consulting, MACH – Margate Arts Creativity Heritage

Margate Steps wins the 2015 Civic Voice Design Award for Public Realm. Geoff Orton of Margate Civic Society holding the Award. Image: Christopher Tipping
Margate Steps wins the 2015 Civic Voice Design Award for Public Realm. Geoff Orton of Margate Civic Society holding the Award. Image: Christopher Tipping
Margate Steps wins the 2015 Civic Voice Design Award for Public Realm. Geoff Orton of Margate Civic Society holding the Award. Image: Christopher Tipping
Margate Steps wins the 2015 Civic Voice Design Award for Public Realm. Geoff Orton of Margate Civic Society holding the Award. Image: Christopher Tipping
Margate Steps wins the 2015 Civic Voice Design Award for Public Realm. Image: Geoff Orton on the left, with Griff Rhys Jones, President of Civic Voice Photo: Christopher Tipping
Margate Steps wins the 2015 Civic Voice Design Award for Public Realm. Image: Geoff Orton on the left, with Griff Rhys Jones, President of Civic Voice Photo: Christopher Tipping
Margate Steps wins the 2015 Civic Voice Design Award for Public Realm. Image: Chris Tipping, Project Artist on the left, with Griff Rhys Jones, President of Civic Voice Photo: Christopher Tipping
Margate Steps wins the 2015 Civic Voice Design Award for Public Realm. Image: Chris Tipping, Project Artist on the left, with Griff Rhys Jones, President of Civic Voice Photo: Christopher Tipping