Tag Archives: Public realm

Central Chelmsford

A quick site visit yesterday – 19th March – to see the manifestation sample installed in the M1 / M2 Block entrance lobby. This is one of the interpretive artworks on site – part of the public realm and public art enhancements.

Sean Ogley, Senior Technical Manager for Denne Construction who has advised and managed my input throughout the scheme –  in tandem with Frances Lord, Public Art Consultant – took me around the site to review recent developments and to see the manifestation sample in situ.

These are few images from the visit –

Central Chelmsford, Genesis Housing Association. Landscape and embedded public art interpretation during installation on site. Image:Christopher Tipping
Central Chelmsford, Genesis Housing Association. Landscape and embedded public art interpretation during installation on site. Image:Christopher Tipping

This is the interior courtyard space, which we know as The Place – this is a public space for both residents and pedestrians alike. The site will provides a new pedestrian route along a desire line from Chelmsford Station, through to the town centre.

The whole scheme has been designed by Pollard Thomas Edwards Architects with Area Landscape Architects. The project is being delivered by Denne Construction.

Genesis Housing Association. Detail: sandblasted granite paving, part of the embedded public art interpretation, taken during installation on site. Image: Christopher Tipping
Genesis Housing Association. Detail: sandblasted granite paving, part of the embedded public art interpretation, taken during installation on site. Image: Christopher Tipping

The green granite with sandblasted text is supplied by Hardscape. 

Genesis Housing Association. Detail: sandblasted granite paving, part of the embedded public art interpretation, taken during installation on site. Image: Christopher Tipping
Genesis Housing Association. Detail: sandblasted granite paving, part of the embedded public art interpretation, taken during installation on site. Image: Christopher Tipping
Genesis Housing Association. A view of the interior courtyard known as The Place, with embedded public art interpretation, taken during installation on site. Image: Christopher Tipping
Genesis Housing Association. A view of the interior courtyard known as The Place, with embedded public art interpretation, taken during installation on site. Image: Christopher Tipping
Central Chelmsford for Genesis Housing Association. Detail: cnc routed text in slatted  timber seating, part of the embedded public art interpretation, taken during installation on site. Image: Christopher Tipping
Central Chelmsford for Genesis Housing Association. Detail: cnc routed text in slatted timber seating, part of the embedded public art interpretation, taken during installation on site. Image: Christopher Tipping

All the timber slatted seating with cnc routed text is manufactured in collaboration with Citysquared Street Furniture. 

Central Chelmsford for Genesis Housing Association. Detail: cnc routed text in slatted  timber seating, part of the embedded public art interpretation, taken during installation on site. Image: Christopher Tipping
Central Chelmsford for Genesis Housing Association. Detail: cnc routed text in slatted timber seating, part of the embedded public art interpretation, taken during installation on site. Image: Christopher Tipping
Central Chelmsford for Genesis Housing Association. Detail: slatted  timber seating, part of the embedded public art interpretation carries cnc routed text - image taken during installation on site. Image: Christopher Tipping
Central Chelmsford for Genesis Housing Association. Detail: slatted timber seating, part of the embedded public art interpretation carries cnc routed text – image taken during installation on site. Image: Christopher Tipping
Central Chelmsford for Genesis Housing Association. Detail: large platform slatted  timber seating, part of the embedded public art interpretation carries cnc routed text - image taken during installation on site. Image: Christopher Tipping
Central Chelmsford for Genesis Housing Association. Detail: large platform slatted timber seating, part of the embedded public art interpretation carries cnc routed text – image taken during installation on site. Image: Christopher Tipping
Central Chelmsford for Genesis Housing Association. Detail: Yorkstone steps with inset granite text to the risers, part of the embedded public art interpretation - image taken during installation on site. Image: Christopher Tipping
Central Chelmsford for Genesis Housing Association. Detail: Yorkstone steps with inset granite text to the risers, part of the embedded public art interpretation – image taken during installation on site. Image: Christopher Tipping

The York Stone steps with inset granite text are manufactured by the Ashfield Group. 

Central Chelmsford for Genesis Housing Association. Detail: Yorkstone steps with inset granite text to the risers, part of the embedded public art interpretation - image taken during installation on site. Image: Christopher Tipping
Central Chelmsford for Genesis Housing Association. Detail: Yorkstone steps with inset granite text to the risers, part of the embedded public art interpretation – image taken during installation on site. Image: Christopher Tipping
Central Chelmsford for Genesis Housing Association. Detail: Yorkstone steps with inset granite text to the risers, part of the embedded public art interpretation - image taken during installation on site. Image: Christopher Tipping
Central Chelmsford for Genesis Housing Association. Detail: Yorkstone steps with inset granite text to the risers, part of the embedded public art interpretation – image taken during installation on site. Image: Christopher Tipping
Central Chelmsford for Genesis Housing Association. Glazing manifestation test sample to M1 / M2 Block entrance lobby. Image: Christopher Tipping
Central Chelmsford for Genesis Housing Association. Glazing manifestation test sample to M1 / M2 Block entrance lobby. Image: Christopher Tipping
Central Chelmsford for Genesis Housing Association. Glazing manifestation test sample to M1 / M2 Block entrance lobby. Image: Christopher Tipping
Central Chelmsford for Genesis Housing Association. Glazing manifestation test sample to M1 / M2 Block entrance lobby. Image: Christopher Tipping
Central Chelmsford for Genesis Housing Association. Glazing manifestation test sample to M1 / M2 Block entrance lobby. Image: Christopher Tipping
Central Chelmsford for Genesis Housing Association. Glazing manifestation test sample to M1 / M2 Block entrance lobby. Image: Christopher Tipping
Central Chelmsford for Genesis Housing Association. Glazing manifestation test sample to M1 / M2 Block entrance lobby. Image: Christopher Tipping
Central Chelmsford for Genesis Housing Association. Glazing manifestation test sample to M1 / M2 Block entrance lobby. Image: Christopher Tipping

Interior of entrance lobby – with sample vinyl manifestation taped to the glazing. The weather was really dull & overcast. The printed white inks don’t jump out very much. If it had been bright and sunny, the design would cast a myriad of shadows onto the frame and floors. Will have to wait & see how that works out !

The manifestation is being manufactured and installed by Vinyl Graphics Ltd. 

Central Chelmsford for Genesis Housing Association. Glazing manifestations are being applied to the glazed screen for M1 / M2 Block entrance lobby. Image: Christopher Tipping
Central Chelmsford for Genesis Housing Association. Glazing manifestations are being applied to the glazed screen for M1 / M2 Block entrance lobby. Image: Christopher Tipping
Central Chelmsford for Genesis Housing Association. Glazing manifestation test sample to M1 / M2 Block entrance lobby. Image: Christopher Tipping
Central Chelmsford for Genesis Housing Association. Glazing manifestation test sample to M1 / M2 Block entrance lobby. Image: Christopher Tipping
Central Chelmsford for Genesis Housing Association. Glazing manifestation test sample to M1 / M2 Block entrance lobby. Image: Christopher Tipping
Central Chelmsford for Genesis Housing Association. Glazing manifestation test sample to M1 / M2 Block entrance lobby. Image: Christopher Tipping
Central Chelmsford for Genesis Housing Association. Glazing manifestation test sample to M1 / M2 Block entrance lobby. Image: Christopher Tipping
Central Chelmsford for Genesis Housing Association. Glazing manifestation test sample to M1 / M2 Block entrance lobby. Image: Christopher Tipping

 

Station Quarter North, Southampton

This week saw the delivery and installation of the first bespoke cast concrete units to site. Wilson Massie of Balfour Beatty Living Places has let me use his images taken during the works to install. Balfour Beatty Services are delivering and installing all the project on site.

The units are manufactured by CCP Ltd – Cornish Concrete Products, nr Truro.

Southampton Station Quarter North - 'Type C' bench units being installed on site by Balfour Beatty Services. Image: Wilson Massie BBLP
Southampton Station Quarter North – ‘Type C’ bench units being installed on site by Balfour Beatty Services. Image: Wilson Massie BBLP
Southampton Station Quarter North - 'Type C' bench units being installed on site by Balfour Beatty Services. Image: Wilson Massie BBLP
Southampton Station Quarter North – ‘Type C’ bench units being installed on site by Balfour Beatty Services. Image: Wilson Massie BBLP
Southampton Station Quarter North - 'Type C' bench units being installed on site by Balfour Beatty Services. Image: Wilson Massie BBLP
Southampton Station Quarter North – ‘Type C’ bench units being installed on site by Balfour Beatty Services. Image: Wilson Massie BBLP
Southampton Station Quarter North - 'Type C' bench units being installed on site by Balfour Beatty Services. Image: Wilson Massie BBLP
Southampton Station Quarter North – ‘Type C’ bench units being installed on site by Balfour Beatty Services. Image: Wilson Massie BBLP
Southampton Station Quarter North - 'Type C' bench units being installed on site by Balfour Beatty Services. Image: Wilson Massie BBLP
Southampton Station Quarter North – ‘Type C’ bench units being installed on site by Balfour Beatty Services. Image: Wilson Massie BBLP
Southampton Station Quarter North - 'Type C' bench units being installed on site by Balfour Beatty Services. Image: Wilson Massie BBLP
Southampton Station Quarter North – ‘Type C’ bench units being installed on site by Balfour Beatty Services. Image: Wilson Massie BBLP
Southampton Station Quarter North - 'Type C' bench units being installed on site by Balfour Beatty Services. Image: Wilson Massie BBLP
Southampton Station Quarter North – ‘Type C’ bench units being installed on site by Balfour Beatty Services. Image: Wilson Massie BBLP

 

Central Chelmsford – Glazing Manifestation

I spent yesterday – 17th March 2015 – in Reading, working in the design room at VGL Ltd with one of their production designers, James, to build and sample the final production artwork for the glazing manifestation to be installed in the M1 / M2 Block Entrance Lobby, Central Chelmsford. VGL really do put in the extra mile to get exactly what I want – it is very much appreciated.

We had a full size sample printed and tomorrow I am going to site to see it installed for final approval by the project team.

This is the visual that was produced – it is presented against a black background because the artwork is printed in many layers of opaque and transparent white overlaid one on another.  – Durst Print white only in reverse onto Madico Optically Clear vinyl, applied to the inside face of glazing.

Artist artwork draft for glazing manifestation to the internal lobby entrance to Block M1/M2 Central Chelmsford.   Artwork: Christopher Tipping
Artist artwork draft for glazing manifestation to the internal lobby entrance to Block M1/M2 Central Chelmsford. Artwork: Christopher Tipping
VGL Ltd Production Artwork draft for glazing manifestation to internal lobby entrance Block M1/M2 Central Chelmsford.
VGL Ltd Production Artwork draft for glazing manifestation to internal lobby entrance Block M1/M2 Central Chelmsford.
VGL Ltd Production Artwork draft for glazing manifestation to internal lobby entrance Block M1/M2 Central Chelmsford.   Artist: Christopher Tipping
VGL Ltd Production Artwork draft for glazing manifestation to internal lobby entrance Block M1/M2 Central Chelmsford. Artist: Christopher Tipping
Detail: VGL Ltd Production Artwork draft for glazing manifestation to internal lobby entrance Block M1/M2 Central Chelmsford.
Detail: VGL Ltd Production Artwork draft for glazing manifestation to internal lobby entrance Block M1/M2 Central Chelmsford.
Detail: VGL Ltd Production Artwork draft for glazing manifestation to internal lobby entrance Block M1/M2 Central Chelmsford.
Detail: VGL Ltd Production Artwork draft for glazing manifestation to internal lobby entrance Block M1/M2 Central Chelmsford.
Detail: VGL Ltd Production Artwork draft for glazing manifestation to internal lobby entrance Block M1/M2 Central Chelmsford.
Detail: VGL Ltd Production Artwork draft for glazing manifestation to internal lobby entrance Block M1/M2 Central Chelmsford.
Detail: VGL Ltd Production Artwork draft for glazing manifestation to internal lobby entrance Block M1/M2 Central Chelmsford.
Detail: VGL Ltd Production Artwork draft for glazing manifestation to internal lobby entrance Block M1/M2 Central Chelmsford.

 

 

Jubilee Building, Musgrove Park Hospital

More great images of my projects at the Jubilee Building have come in from Lisa Harty, Art for Life at Musgrove Park Hospital. She has had images taken by Corbin O’Grady Studio.

 

Here is a selection:

Detail: '70 Years On...' - Central Concourse Tensile Artwork, Jubilee Building, Musgrove Park Hospital. Image: Art for Life, Corbin O'Grady Studio
Detail: ’70 Years On…’ – Central Concourse Tensile Artwork, Jubilee Building, Musgrove Park Hospital. Image: Art for Life, Corbin O’Grady Studio
'Murmuration', Jubilee Building, Musgrove Park Hospital. Image: Art for Life, Corbin O'Grady Studio
‘Murmuration’, Jubilee Building, Musgrove Park Hospital. Image: Art for Life, Corbin O’Grady Studio

Laser-cut stainless steel panels – affixed to the building elevation.

Detail: 'Murmuration', Jubilee Building, Musgrove Park Hospital. Image: Art for Life, Corbin O'Grady Studio
Detail: ‘Murmuration’, Jubilee Building, Musgrove Park Hospital. Image: Art for Life, Corbin O’Grady Studio
Detail: 'Murmuration', Jubilee Building, Musgrove Park Hospital. Image: Art for Life, Corbin O'Grady Studio
Detail: ‘Murmuration’, Jubilee Building, Musgrove Park Hospital. Image: Art for Life, Corbin O’Grady Studio
Detail: 'Murmuration', Jubilee Building, Musgrove Park Hospital. Image: Art for Life, Corbin O'Grady Studio
Detail: ‘Murmuration’, Jubilee Building, Musgrove Park Hospital. Image: Art for Life, Corbin O’Grady Studio
Detail: 'Murmuration', Jubilee Building, Musgrove Park Hospital. Image: Art for Life, Corbin O'Grady Studio
Detail: ‘Murmuration’, Jubilee Building, Musgrove Park Hospital. Image: Art for Life, Corbin O’Grady Studio
Detail: 'Murmuration', Jubilee Building, Musgrove Park Hospital. Image: Art for Life, Corbin O'Grady Studio
Detail: ‘Murmuration’, Jubilee Building, Musgrove Park Hospital. Image: Art for Life, Corbin O’Grady Studio
Detail: '70 Years On...' - Central Concourse Tensile Artwork, Jubilee Building, Musgrove Park Hospital. Image: Art for Life, Corbin O'Grady Studio
Detail: ’70 Years On…’ – Central Concourse Tensile Artwork, Jubilee Building, Musgrove Park Hospital. Image: Art for Life, Corbin O’Grady Studio
Detail: '70 Years On...' - Central Concourse Tensile Artwork, Jubilee Building, Musgrove Park Hospital. Image: Art for Life, Corbin O'Grady Studio
Detail: ’70 Years On…’ – Central Concourse Tensile Artwork, Jubilee Building, Musgrove Park Hospital. Image: Art for Life, Corbin O’Grady Studio
Detail: '70 Years On...' - Central Concourse Tensile Artwork, Jubilee Building, Musgrove Park Hospital. Image: Art for Life, Corbin O'Grady Studio
Detail: ’70 Years On…’ – Central Concourse Tensile Artwork, Jubilee Building, Musgrove Park Hospital. Image: Art for Life, Corbin O’Grady Studio
Detail: '70 Years On...' - Central Concourse Tensile Artwork, Jubilee Building, Musgrove Park Hospital. Image: Art for Life, Corbin O'Grady Studio
Detail: ’70 Years On…’ – Central Concourse Tensile Artwork, Jubilee Building, Musgrove Park Hospital. Image: Art for Life, Corbin O’Grady Studio
Detail: '70 Years On...' - Central Concourse Tensile Artwork, Jubilee Building, Musgrove Park Hospital. Image: Art for Life, Corbin O'Grady Studio
Detail: ’70 Years On…’ – Central Concourse Tensile Artwork, Jubilee Building, Musgrove Park Hospital. Image: Art for Life, Corbin O’Grady Studio
Detail: '70 Years On...' - Central Concourse Tensile Artwork, Jubilee Building, Musgrove Park Hospital. Image: Art for Life, Corbin O'Grady Studio
Detail: ’70 Years On…’ – Central Concourse Tensile Artwork, Jubilee Building, Musgrove Park Hospital. Image: Art for Life, Corbin O’Grady Studio
Detail: '70 Years On...' - Central Concourse Tensile Artwork, Jubilee Building, Musgrove Park Hospital. Image: Art for Life, Corbin O'Grady Studio
Detail: ’70 Years On…’ – Central Concourse Tensile Artwork, Jubilee Building, Musgrove Park Hospital. Image: Art for Life, Corbin O’Grady Studio

 

 

Station Quarter North, Southampton

Yesterday, Tuesday 17th March saw the first of the Type C cast benches arrive on site to be crane-lifted into place at Station Quarter North.

Balfour Beatty Living Places – Services Division are doing a great job in regard to the installation and delivery of the whole project on site.

‘Outside Wyndham Court a great deal of the footpath and landscaping is down and this gives a glimpse of how the scheme is going to look. Block paving of the public car park has started, trees are in and yesterday the first of the new bespoke stone benches was crane lifted into place.’  Taken from the Southampton Station Quarter update bulletin, 18th March 2015, Balfour Beatty Living Places.

Wyndham Place as seen from Wyndham Court showing Southampton Central Station Quarter Regeneration project. Image: Wilson Massie, Balfour Beatty Living Places.
Wyndham Place as seen from Wyndham Court showing Southampton Central Station Quarter Regeneration project. Image: Wilson Massie, Balfour Beatty Living Places.
Wyndham Place, Southampton seen from Commercial Road looking west showing Southampton Central Station Quarter Regeneration project. Bespoke Cast Concrete benches during installation. Image: Matt Dyer, Senior Project Engineer, Balfour Beatty Living Places - Services Division.
Wyndham Place, Southampton seen from Commercial Road looking west showing Southampton Central Station Quarter Regeneration project. Bespoke Cast Concrete benches during installation. Image: Matt Dyer, Senior Project Engineer, Balfour Beatty Living Places – Services Division.

Bespoke benches during installation. Unfortunately, one of the 6 units has a lighter finish than the others. This can be remedied post installation on site by the manufacturer CPP Ltd.

Station Quarter North, Southampton

On Thursday 12th March I flew down to Newquay to visit CCP Ltd – Cornish Concrete Products –  to review production on the first set of bespoke benches for Southampton Station Quarter.  I was meeting up with Simon Taylor, Urban Design Manager – Southampton Highways Partnership, Balfour Beatty Living Places, who is the Design Manager for the Station Quarter project. Simon met me at Newquay Airport & we drove down to Bissoe to CCP’s manufacturing plant.

Gatwick Airport to Newquay with Flybe - around 55mins - not bad !
Gatwick Airport to Newquay with Flybe – around 55mins – not bad !

I left Ramsgate on High Speed 1 for London, St Pancras, then by Tube to Victoria to pick up the Gatwick Express & Gatwick to Newquay by Twin Prop and from there by car to Bissoe – easy ! A great day – but one delay along the way could have been a disaster – fortunately it was brilliant.

Great views of Southampton and the Isle of Wight on the flight down.  Image: Christopher Tipping
Great views of Southampton and the Isle of Wight on the flight down.
Image: Christopher Tipping

The units below are the first to be manufactured and are, as such the sample test for the project. We will be looking to iron out any issues presenting at this stage and develop a methodology for ensuring quality control through the production period. The Type C unit – is only one of several bespoke profiles being developed – with each profile there are accompanying bespoke ends and specials to be made.

Southampton Station Quarter - Visit to Cornish Concrete Products Ltd to review manufacture of Type C bench Units.
Southampton Station Quarter – Visit to Cornish Concrete Products Ltd to review manufacture of Type C bench Units.

This is a single unit, part of a six unit seating set for the landscape works. The seating forms part of the interpretation and public art created for the project. The units as seen here have yet to have the etching treatment to expose the surface aggregates, so appear quite light in colour. The finished colour and aggregate mix reflect the multi blend granite paving used throughout the site and is informed by the geology of the site – alluvial gravels – which were at one time quarried nearby in the area now occupied by the Civic Centre. These gravels would have formed the beach of the River Test Estuary, which was – until 175 years ago – to be found where Blechynden Terrace now stands.

Southampton Station Quarter - concrete samples developed with Cornish Concrete Products Ltd for bespoke landscape works. Image: Matt Dyer, Balfour Beatty Services.
Southampton Station Quarter – concrete samples developed with Cornish Concrete Products Ltd for bespoke landscape works. Image: Matt Dyer, Balfour Beatty Services.

We have selected the Blackhill Aggregate – White Cement – Heavy Etch sample to work with –

Southampton Station Quarter - preferred sample developed with Cornish Concrete Products Ltd for bespoke landscape works. Image: Matt Dyer, Balfour Beatty Services
Southampton Station Quarter – preferred sample developed with Cornish Concrete Products Ltd for bespoke landscape works. Image: Matt Dyer, Balfour Beatty Services
Southampton Station Quarter - Visit to Cornish Concrete Products Ltd to review manufacture of Type C bench Units.
Southampton Station Quarter – Visit to Cornish Concrete Products Ltd to review manufacture of Type C bench Units.
Southampton Station Quarter - Visit to Cornish Concrete Products Ltd to review manufacture of Type C bench Units. Bespoke return end unit, showing inverted fibreglass mould.
Southampton Station Quarter – Visit to Cornish Concrete Products Ltd to review manufacture of Type C bench Units. Bespoke return end unit, showing inverted fibreglass mould.
Southampton Station Quarter - Visit to Cornish Concrete Products Ltd to review manufacture of Type C bench Units.
Southampton Station Quarter – Visit to Cornish Concrete Products Ltd to review manufacture of Type C bench Units.
Southampton Station Quarter - Visit to Cornish Concrete Products Ltd to review manufacture of Type C bench Units.
Southampton Station Quarter – Visit to Cornish Concrete Products Ltd to review manufacture of Type C bench Units.

The composite image below, illustrate the evolution of the Type C Bench. The basic section is added to with bespoke and varying ‘ends’, with some units being further cast with lighting recesses.

Type C Bespoke Cast Concrete Bench for Southampton Station Quarter. Drawings by CCP Ltd
Type C Bespoke Cast Concrete Bench for Southampton Station Quarter. Drawings by CCP Ltd
Southampton Station Quarter, Type C Cast Concrete Bench development. Image: Christopher Tipping
Southampton Station Quarter, Type C Cast Concrete Bench development. Image: Christopher Tipping
Bespoke timber mould for the Type C bench fabricated by CCP Ltd. Image: Christopher Tipping
Bespoke timber mould for the Type C bench fabricated by CCP Ltd. Image: Christopher Tipping
Bespoke timber mould for the Type C bench fabricated by CCP Ltd. Image: Christopher Tipping
Bespoke timber mould for the Type C bench fabricated by CCP Ltd. Image: Christopher Tipping

I particularly like to see the timber joinery and craftsmanship which goes into the moulds. No-one else really sees this – and the general public generally have no idea of the work that goes on behind the scenes to achieve the objects they see in the public realm.

 

 

 

New images of the ‘Margate Steps’ by photographer Dean Barkley

Some great new images have come to light of the Margate Steps – 

These were taken by photographer – Dean Barkleyusing a multirotor copter. Dean can be contacted on dean@barkleyimages.co.uk

I have also just come across an amazing sound recording by analoghell of waves lapping along our very own Margate Steps ! Check it out !

Margate Steps -  Image: Dean Barkley http://www.barkleyimages.co.uk/
Margate Steps –
Image: Dean Barkley http://www.barkleyimages.co.uk/
Margate Steps -  Image: Dean Barkley http://www.barkleyimages.co.uk/
Margate Steps –
Image: Dean Barkley http://www.barkleyimages.co.uk/
Margate Steps -  Image: Dean Barkley http://www.barkleyimages.co.uk/
Margate Steps –
Image: Dean Barkley http://www.barkleyimages.co.uk/

Central Chelmsford

Finally caught up with progress on the Central Chelmsford Project on Thursday 19th February.

I hadn’t been to site since October 2014 & things had really moved on, with one block of the development already open to residents. The public realm is still ongoing, which includes the embedded artwork and interpretive text.

Installation in progress - York Stone steps with inset granite text to risers. Image:Christopher Tipping
Installation in progress – York Stone steps with inset granite text to risers. Image:Christopher Tipping

 

Central Chelmsford - Pollard Thomas Edwards Architects for Genesis Housing Association.  Image: Christopher Tipping
Central Chelmsford – Pollard Thomas Edwards Architects for Genesis Housing Association. Image: Christopher Tipping
Central Chelmsford - Denne Construction, Pollard Thomas Edwards Architects, Area Landscape Architects for Genesis Housing Association.
Central Chelmsford – Denne Construction, Pollard Thomas Edwards Architects, Area Landscape Architects for Genesis Housing Association.
Central Chelmsford - Installation in progress - York Stone steps with inset granite text to risers. Image:Christopher Tipping
Central Chelmsford – Installation in progress – York Stone steps with inset granite text to risers. Image:Christopher Tipping
Central Chelmsford - Installation in progress - York Stone steps with inset granite text to risers. Image:Christopher Tipping
Central Chelmsford – Installation in progress – York Stone steps with inset granite text to risers. Image:Christopher Tipping

The York stone steps with inset granite text was manufactured & supplied by the Ashfield Group. The installation on site is a very time consuming and bespoke process. I am looking forward to seeing the works all cleaned up and finished.

The large sandblasted granite platform seat has been installed, but not completely finished as yet.  This element, along with the sandblasted paving text was manufactured  & supplied by Hardscape.

Central Chelmsford - Large Granite Platform Seat  with Sandblasted detail & text by Hardscape. Image: Christopher Tipping
Central Chelmsford – Large Granite Platform Seat with Sandblasted detail & text by Hardscape. Image: Christopher Tipping
Central Chelmsford - Large Granite Platform Seat  with sandblasted detail & text by Hardscape. Image: Christopher Tipping
Central Chelmsford – Large Granite Platform Seat with sandblasted detail & text by Hardscape. Image: Christopher Tipping
Central Chelmsford - Detail: Large Granite Platform Seat  with sandblasted detail & text by Christopher Tipping, manufactured by Hardscape.  Image: Christopher Tipping
Central Chelmsford – Detail: Large Granite Platform Seat with sandblasted detail & text by Christopher Tipping, manufactured by Hardscape.
Image: Christopher Tipping
Central Chelmsford  - Courtyard.  Detail: Large Granite Platform Seat  with sandblasted detail & text by Christopher Tipping - manufactured by Hardscape. Image: Christopher Tipping
Central Chelmsford – Courtyard. Detail: Large Granite Platform Seat with sandblasted detail & text by Christopher Tipping – manufactured by Hardscape. Image: Christopher Tipping

The central courtyard is in progress, with brick built raised beds with trees, shrubs and grasses. All hard landscape concept design and planting for the scheme is by Area Landscape Architects.

The interpretation work I have done is mainly embedded within this scheme as seating, paving & steps. The text – as seen below – sandblasted into Royal Green Granite slabs & set into York Stone paving – has not yet been cleaned & is very dusty and dirty from continuing building works. The site is closed to the public. This will however, become a busy pedestrian thoroughfare when completed. .

Central Chelmsford. A 'stream' of Royal Green Granite with sandblasted text runs through the paving on site. Manufactured by Hardscape. Image: Christopher Tipping
Central Chelmsford. A ‘stream’ of Royal Green Granite with sandblasted text runs through the paving on site. Manufactured by Hardscape. Image: Christopher Tipping
Central Chelmsford. A 'stream' of Royal Green Granite with sandblasted text runs through the paving on site. Manufactured by Hardscape. Image: Christopher Tipping
Central Chelmsford. A ‘stream’ of Royal Green Granite with sandblasted text runs through the paving on site. Manufactured by Hardscape. Image: Christopher Tipping
Central Chelmsford. A 'stream' of Royal Green Granite with sandblasted text runs through the York Stone paving on site. Manufactured by Hardscape. Image: Christopher Tipping
Central Chelmsford. A ‘stream’ of Royal Green Granite with sandblasted text runs through the York Stone paving on site. Manufactured by Hardscape. Image: Christopher Tipping
Central Chelmsford - Pedestrian routes through the central courtyard will open out on expansive views over a large landscaped public open  space &  Central Park beyond.  Image: Christopher Tipping
Central Chelmsford – Pedestrian routes through the central courtyard will open out on expansive views over a large landscaped public open space & Central Park beyond. Image: Christopher Tipping
Central Chelmsford - When completed, pedestrian routes through the central courtyard & heart of the site will open out via a dramatic black brick portal entrance onto a landscaped public realm with the Anne Knight Building and Chelmsford Railway Station.  Image: Christopher Tipping
Central Chelmsford – When completed, pedestrian routes through the central courtyard & heart of the site will open out via a dramatic black brick portal entrance onto a landscaped public realm with the Anne Knight Building and Chelmsford Railway Station. Image: Christopher Tipping

 

 

 

Meeting Dr Chris Evans, Professor of History, University of South Wales

12th February 2015 – Treforest, South Wales – the birthplace of SIR TOM JONES !

Treforest Station Railway Footbridge. Image: Christopher Tipping
Treforest Station Railway Footbridge. Image: Christopher Tipping
Treforest Station Railway Footbridge. Image: Christopher Tipping
Treforest Station Railway Footbridge. Image: Christopher Tipping

I met with Dr Chris Evans today to discuss the history of iron production in Merthyr Tydfil and the legacy and impact of this on contemporary Merthyr Tydfil and its aspirations & current regeneration programme. This is in light of contextual research I am doing in regard to the new Bus Station project and Link bridge feasibility study.

Chris is a Professor of History at the University of South Wales, on the Treforest Campus.

We met at Ty Crawshay – Francis Crawshay’s House in Trefforest, now a Museum and Gallery – a part of the University Campus.

Ty Crawshay, Treforest, once the home of Francis Crawshay and now part of the University of South Wales.
Ty Crawshay, Treforest, once the home of Francis Crawshay and now part of the University of South Wales.

We discussed a number of things including:

 Francis Crawshay  – an eccentric member of the Crawshays of Cyfarthfa, who had portraits of his workers painted which was, at the time highly unusual, giving a remarkable insight into the lives of ordinary working people. He was something of a Druidic character, building stone circles and mounds.

 The Upland Landscape of the Brecon Beacons  & its importance in both the past and the future of Merthyr Tydfil. Merthyr is a product of this upland landscape & could make much more of this relationship.

The Taff Trail and how visitors could experience & relate to  Merthyr  as a gateway to the Brecons.

The Creativity and Flair of the great engineers and innovators who were central to the Industrial Revolution in Merthyr not being sufficiently celebrated. Watkin George, William Edwards, William Williams worked at the cutting edge of technology and innovation. Even factory buildings were classically proportioned. Merthyr was a hub of creative knowledge, that became not only world famous, but exported this knowledge all over the world – even sending expertise to set up new Ironworks in Russia for example. The town generated and maintained international contacts, becoming an international crossroads of industry.

Elemental Processes of ironworking – extremely labour intensive. The ability to standardize products and replicate to order under these conditions was testament to the degree of control over processes these manufactories had. Confidence in their technology and how to utilise it successfully

Impact on landscape – early extraction methods included damming rivers and streams and then breaking the dam to allow the raging waters to scour the top soils and expose the iron ore beds. Cinder Tips, & Slag Heaps

Power the control and management of water was at the heart of Merthyrs advancement. Transport was the other – Canals, Tramways, Railways, Roads, River.

Power – Napoleonic Economy & Rise to WealthAtlantic Trade – Iron and Slaves – Dr Chris Evans Research

Anthony Bacon – Founder of Cyfarthfa Iron Works

Ynysgau Iron Bridge lost due to River widening / flood mitigation scheme in the 1960’s.

Merthyr Tydfil Bus Station and Link Bridge

9th February 2015

I have now made two visits to Merthyr Tydfil & am preparing to go up again this week for two days to meet with the project team and Capita, who will be delivering the Bus Station. Capita recently completed the The River Taff Central Link and Bridge –  a new road system that connects Merthyr Learning Quarter at the existing Penry Street Bridge, through Avenue De Clichy, across the new road bridge located south of Swan Street, and via the new road in front of the College. The new bridge is a major landmark for the town.

The town centre is fascinating & has some wonderful architecture. Just remember to look up above the shop fronts to see the architectural detail! Key anchor buildings are still extant & a good deal of regeneration is breathing new life into these buildings and by default, back into the town centre. The RedHouse, an arts and cultural centre – in the former Town Hall –  is a singular example of great regeneration practice & takes in the adjoining Penderyn Square – As part of the Heritage Quarter development, a new civic square outside the renovated Old Town Hall will be a key focal point for the cultural identity of Merthyr Tydfil.  The square will be a vibrant environment that will host events across the year celebrating the heritage of the town”. 

I have done a lot of walking and am talking to whoever I can to enlighten me on the legacy and heritage of the town, but also about its aspiration and spirit for the future.

I have also been asked to contribute to a feasibility study commissioned by Merthyr Tydfil CBC, to look into replacing the existing footbridge link from the College, to St Tydfil’s Shopping Centre with a new footbridge which also extends to the site of the new Bus Station on Swan Street. The project is being delivered by Mott MacDonald  & Knight Architects.  This pedestrian connectivity is a critical element in unifying the accessibility of trains, buses  and pedestrian routes in the town. It serves also to improve and build upon the visual impact a new footbridge may have as a landmark attraction and destination along the Taff Trail, bringing more tourists and visitors to the town centre.

The site of the new Bus Station on Swan Street. Image: Christoher Tipping
The site of the new Bus Station on Swan Street. Image: Christoher Tipping

This site, on the corner of Swan Street and Avenue de Clichy was until recently, the home of the Hollies Health Centre, which has now moved to state of the art new facilities in the Keir Hardie Health Park at Cyfarthfa. The old buildings have now  been demolished. The old Police Station – right & centre of picture, is also in process of demolition to make way for the Bus Station. The back of the St Tydfil’s Shopping Centre can be see on the left of this image.

The new Bus Station site as seen from the new River Taff Road bridge. Image: Christopher Tipping
The new Bus Station site as seen from the new River Taff Road bridge. Image: Christopher Tipping
360 Panoramic image of the Swan Street site. Residential flats and two schools lie to the south of the site & a sensitive response is imperative. Image: Christopher Tipping
360 Panoramic image of the Swan Street site. Residential flats and two schools lie to the south of the site & a sensitive response is imperative. Image: Christopher Tipping
The current Bus Station off Castle Street. Image: Christopher Tipping
The current Bus Station off Castle Street. Image: Christopher Tipping

This image looks grim, but to be fair, the weather on the day was dreadful ! If you turned around, the views out to the surrounding hills are great, even on a horrible day. Castle Street now leads onto the new River Taff Central Link Road at one end and the Redhouse at the other – both, great examples of the power of regeneration schemes in the town to make credible changes.

The College, Merthyr Tydfil, which opened on September 2nd 2013. Image: Christopher Tipping
The College, Merthyr Tydfil, which opened on September 2nd 2013. Image: Christopher Tipping
Panoramic image of the College at Merthyr Tydfil showing the new road and extensive public realm. The River Taff footbridge is at the far right of this image. Image: Christopher Tipping
Panoramic image of the College at Merthyr Tydfil showing the new road and extensive public realm. The River Taff footbridge is at the far right of this image. Image: Christopher Tipping

This area was the site of the former Ynysfach Ironworks, owned and run by the Crawshay Family of Cyfarthfa Ironworks. The new road seen running through the site  above almost follows the path of the former Glamorganshire Canal, which was fully opennd in 1794 and declined progressively between 1898 & 1951. Much of the Canal route is now buried beneath the A470 Cardiff to Merthyr Tydfil Truck Rd.

The view upstream from the River Taff Footbridge. towards the Civic Centre.  Image: Christopher Tipping
The view upstream from the River Taff Footbridge. towards the Civic Centre. Image: Christopher Tipping

Where the River Taff meanders to the left in the above image and turns the corner, was the site of the Ynysgau Iron Bridge, one of the first Cast Iron Bridges built anywhere in the world, started in 1799 & completed in 1800. The bridge was designed and built by Watkins George, a brilliant engineer working for Richard Crawshay of Cyfarthfa Ironworks, known as the Iron King. The bridge was constructed for the workforce to cross the Taff to reach the Ironworks. It was dismantled in 1963 and is now stored by Merthyr Tydfil CBC.

Sections and details of the Ynysgau Iron Bridge, dismantled in 1963 and now stored by Merthyr Tydfil CBC. Image: Christopher Tipping
Sections and details of the Ynysgau Iron Bridge, dismantled in 1963 and now stored by Merthyr Tydfil CBC. Image: Christopher Tipping

Communications and advances in transport were critical factors behind the expansion of Iron production during the Industrial Revolution.  Natural water supplies found in the Taff and its tributaries & streams provided the source of power, but this had to be managed and controlled. Innovation and technological advances were the powerhouses.

Merthyr Tydfil may  no  longer claim to be the Iron Capitol of the world, but transport and innovation continues to be the catalyst for change in the area.

The River Taff footbridge crosses just below the weir from the College to St Tydfils Shopping Centre. Image: Christopher Tipping
The River Taff footbridge crosses just below the weir from the College to St Tydfils Shopping Centre. Image: Christopher Tipping
The footbridge was built in the early 1970's but wasn't always covered. The bridge spans not only the River Taff, but the Avenue de Clichy & Wilkinson's Carpark . Image: Christopher Tipping
The footbridge was built in the early 1970’s but wasn’t always covered. The bridge spans not only the River Taff, but the Avenue de Clichy & Wilkinson’s Carpark . Image: Christopher Tipping
Looking downstream from the footbridge the views change between retail carpark, highway and river. Image: Christopher Tipping
Looking downstream from the footbridge the views change between retail carpark, highway and river. Image: Christopher Tipping

This distinct zoning of views as one crosses the bridge could also change considerable during the year. It’s a great feature from where to see the town  – its downfall being that it isn’t particularly good to look at ! A new footbridge would have the potential to exploit this fact too and make the most of the opportunities presented.