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Blog, Central Chelmsford, Public Realm

Central Chelmsford

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This is the development as seen from the southern edge of the site, looking north.
This is the Central Chelmsford development as seen from the southern edge of the site, looking north.
Draft designs for granite inset text to York stone steps & cnc routed text to timber seating of 'The Steps' at the southern end of the site.
Draft designs for granite inset text to York stone steps & cnc routed text to timber seating of ‘The Steps’ at the southern end of the site.

The Central Chelmsford development has been in progress on site since 2012.  I was commissioned to join the team as project artist in January of this year.

The integrated project team is made up of :

Client: Genesis Housing Association. Main Contractor: Denne. Project Managers: Bidwells. Architects: PTEarchitects. Landscape Architects: Area Landscape Architects. Arts Consultant: Frances Lord. 

You can hear more on the project via this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orYUpbnacis

The site has a number of key buildings which were once a part of of Anglia Ruskin University. 507 new homes as well as retail and offices will make up the new development. The project is delivering a new community in Chelmsford.

One of the most historic & resonant as well as the earliest buildings on the site is the Grade II listed Anne Knight building, a former Friends Meeting House from 1824. Named after one of Chelmsford’s most distinguished women, Anne Knight 1786 – 1862. Anne Knight was a Quaker and a stalwart Anti Abolitionist, attending the World Anti Slavery Convention meeting held in London in 1840. Her views and correspondence on women’s rights led to her publishing what is considered to be the very first leaflet on women’s suffrage in 1847.

I have also responded to the landscape plans and architectural flow  & rhythm of the site as well exploring how the various elements  & spaces of the site are navigated and used by pedestrians. As the hub of a new community, the communal areas of the development are important places for people to take ownership of.

As well as collaborating with the project team I am also working and collaborating with several manufacturers and specialist contractors such as Hardscape, Ashfield Ltd & City Squared on elements of paving, seating and steps throughout the site, where interventions will be made via cnc routed text into timber and water jet cut and sandblasted granite.

I am working with City Squared in Leeds to develop the bespoke timber seating as well as to perfect the cnc routed text applied to the the timber.
I am working with City Squared in Leeds to develop the bespoke timber seating as well as to perfect the cnc routed text applied to the the timber. I have most recently been in discussions with a typographer to ensure that all the text is delivered with clarity and distinction.
Draft visual for proposal to sandblast detail onto a large granite platform seat.
Draft visual for proposals to sandblast detail onto a large granite platform seat.
An aerail view of the site which sits adjacent to the railway line
An aerial view of the site which sits adjacent to the railway line – outlined here in red.
Black brick curving facade of The Gate which forms the key elevation on site
Vertically set, black brick curving facade of The Gate which forms the key elevation & gateway on site
Draft scope for timber seating and granite detailing within The Place
Detail: Plan drawings & draft scope for timber seating and granite detailing within The Place
There are a number of brick built tree planters within The Place. Several of them have timber seating detailed as part of the artwork scheme. This large timber platform seat with longitudinal timbers will have text added via cnc routing.
There are a number of brick built tree planters within The Place. Several of them have timber seating detailed as part of the artwork scheme. This visual for a  large timber platform seat with longitudinal timbers  is still in development. It will also have text added via cnc routing. Visual by City Squared.
Draft text to York Stone double step risers with timber seat
Draft: Granite text to York Stone double step risers with timber seat
Draft visual of The Steps, with inset text to York Stone risers and digital manifestation to the glazed curtain wall.
Early draft  visual – an elevation drawing of The Steps, with inset granite text to York Stone risers and digital manifestation to the glazed curtain wall.