Tag Archives: Steps

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

 

 

 

‘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

 

Margate Steps shortlisted for Award !

Thursday 9th July 2015

 

Civic Voice shortlists 12 schemes for new design awards !

The Margate Flood & Coastal Protection Project aka ‘Margate Steps’, has been shortlisted for this new design award.

“Civic Voice – the national charity for the civic movement – has today announced its national shortlist for the best designed new development nominated by communities in the country”.

Griff Rhys Jones, Civic Voice President said:

“What I really like about the Civic Voice Design Awards is that they are national awards which have been nominated by local community organisations like civic societies, residents groups, town and parish councils and other community based voluntary organisations, rather than the industry professionals. They show that people are willing to welcome the new developments we need when they have been properly consulted and involved and where the quality of design has been of the highest standard. I look forward to meeting the award winners”

Margate Coastal Flood & Protection Project aka Margate Steps. Margate, Kent. Image: Christopher Tipping
Margate Coastal Flood & Protection Project aka Margate Steps. Margate, Kent. Image: Christopher Tipping
Margate Coastal Flood & Protection Project aka Margate Steps. Margate, Kent. Image: Christopher Tipping
Margate Coastal Flood & Protection Project aka Margate Steps. Margate, Kent. Image: Christopher Tipping
Margate Coastal Flood & Protection Project aka Margate Steps. Margate, Kent. Image: Christopher Tipping
Margate Coastal Flood & Protection Project aka Margate Steps. Margate, Kent. Image: Christopher Tipping

Multi-rotor copter aerial images from Dean Barkley

29th June 2015  – 

Margate Flood & Coastal Protection Project 

These wonderful new images of ‘Margate Steps’ were taken this week by photographer  Dean Barkley, using a multi-rotor copter. Dean can be contacted on dean@barkleyimages.co.uk.  There is also a short film – once I have worked out how to post that online!!!

The images clearly show the scale and impact that the Coastal Protection Project has had on the local area. The additional public realm and and amenity space that the works have provided is shaping the way that the seafront engages with the Old Town and Harbour. Even at high tide, the Old Town is accessible from the beach, which had previously not been possible. The wonderful coastal setting which has become the backdrop for the regeneration of the Harbour Arm, Custom House, Turner Contemporary, Old Town, Margate Steps and now finally Dreamland coming on stream has really made Margate magnificent once again.

Margate Flood & Coast Protection Scheme. Aerial image obtained from a multi-rotor copter by photographer Dean Barkley. Image: Dean Barkley
Margate Flood & Coast Protection Scheme. Aerial image obtained from a multi-rotor copter by photographer Dean Barkley. Image: Dean Barkley
Margate Flood & Coast Protection Scheme. Aerial image obtained from a multi-rotor copter by photographer Dean Barkley. Image: Dean Barkley
Margate Flood & Coast Protection Scheme. Aerial image obtained from a multi-rotor copter by photographer Dean Barkley. Image: Dean Barkley

 

Central Chelmsford aka City Park West – Phase 1

Tuesday 9th June 2015 – City Park West, Phase 1 site visit.

Works are progressing well on site – in fact the scheme is very much in it’s final phase of works to complete the landscape around the site.

Most of the interpretive public art elements are now installed throughout the site.

The content of many of these images you may be familiar with – but the installation is much nearer to completion with the soft landscape details really making an impact on the interpretation and public art elements. Area Landscape Architects are responsible for the external landscape concept, design and strategy and have created a sensitive and wonderful scheme, which I have been fortunate to work within.

Central Chelmsford for Genesis Housing Association. Detail: Courtyard with slatted timber seating routed with text as part of the embedded public art interpretation. Image taken during installation on site. Image: Christopher Tipping
Central Chelmsford for Genesis Housing Association. Detail: Courtyard with slatted timber seating routed with text as 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 - a 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 – a 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 - a 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 – a 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 & timber seating routed with more text as part of the embedded public art interpretation. The image was taken during installation on site. Image: Christopher Tipping
Central Chelmsford for Genesis Housing Association. Detail: Yorkstone steps with inset granite text & timber seating routed with more text as part of the embedded public art interpretation. The image was taken during installation on site. Image: Christopher Tipping
Central Chelmsford for Genesis Housing Association. Detail: Yorkstone steps with inset granite text & timber seating routed with more text as part of the embedded public art interpretation. The image was taken during installation on site. Image: Christopher Tipping
Central Chelmsford for Genesis Housing Association. Detail: Yorkstone steps with inset granite text & timber seating routed with more text as part of the embedded public art interpretation. The image was taken during installation on site. Image: Christopher Tipping
Central Chelmsford for Genesis Housing Association. Detail: Yorkstone steps with inset granite text & timber seating routed with more text as part of the embedded public art interpretation. The image was taken during installation on site. Image: Christopher Tipping
Central Chelmsford for Genesis Housing Association. Detail: Yorkstone steps with inset granite text & timber seating routed with more text as part of the embedded public art interpretation. The image was taken during installation on site. Image: Christopher Tipping
Central Chelmsford for Genesis Housing Association. Detail: Courtyard with slatted timber seating routed with text as part of the embedded public art interpretation. Image taken during installation on site. Image: Christopher Tipping
Central Chelmsford for Genesis Housing Association. Detail: Courtyard with slatted timber seating routed with text as part of the embedded public art interpretation. Image taken during installation on site. Image: Christopher Tipping
Central Chelmsford for Genesis Housing Association. Detail: Courtyard with slatted timber seating routed with text as part of the embedded public art interpretation. Image taken during installation on site. Image: Christopher Tipping
Central Chelmsford for Genesis Housing Association. Detail: Courtyard with slatted timber seating routed with text as part of the embedded public art interpretation. Image taken during installation on site. Image: Christopher Tipping
Central Chelmsford for Genesis Housing Association. Detail: Courtyard with slatted timber seating routed with text as part of the embedded public art interpretation. Image taken during installation on site. Image: Christopher Tipping
Central Chelmsford for Genesis Housing Association. Detail: Courtyard with slatted timber seating routed with text as part of the embedded public art interpretation. Image taken during installation on site. Image: Christopher Tipping

 

Central Chelmsford for Genesis Housing Association. Detail: Courtyard with slatted timber seating routed with text as part of the embedded public art interpretation. Image taken during installation on site. Image: Christopher Tipping
Central Chelmsford for Genesis Housing Association. Detail: Courtyard with slatted timber seating routed with text as part of the embedded public art interpretation. Image taken during installation on site. Image: Christopher Tipping
Central Chelmsford for Genesis Housing Association. Detail: Courtyard with slatted timber seating routed with text as part of the embedded public art interpretation. Image taken during installation on site. Image: Christopher Tipping
Central Chelmsford for Genesis Housing Association. Detail: Courtyard with slatted timber seating routed with text as part of the embedded public art interpretation. Image taken during installation on site. Image: Christopher Tipping
Central Chelmsford for Genesis Housing Association. Detail: Digitally printed glazing manifestations form part of the embedded public art interpretation. Image taken during installation on site. Image: Christopher Tipping
Central Chelmsford for Genesis Housing Association. Detail: Digitally printed glazing manifestations form part of the embedded public art interpretation. Image taken during installation on site. Image: Christopher Tipping
Central Chelmsford for Genesis Housing Association. Detail: Shadows cast by the digitally printed glazing manifestations, which form part of the embedded public art interpretation, add to the experience of the internal lobby entrance. Image taken during installation on site. Image: Christopher Tipping
Central Chelmsford for Genesis Housing Association. Detail: Shadows cast by the digitally printed glazing manifestations, which form part of the embedded public art interpretation, add to the experience of the internal lobby entrance. Image taken during installation on site. Image: Christopher Tipping
Central Chelmsford for Genesis Housing Association. Detail: Courtyard with slatted timber seating routed with text as part of the embedded public art interpretation. Image taken during installation on site. Image: Christopher Tipping
Central Chelmsford for Genesis Housing Association. Detail: Courtyard with slatted timber seating routed with text as part of the embedded public art interpretation. Image taken during installation on site. Image: Christopher Tipping
Central Chelmsford for Genesis Housing Association. Detail: Sandblasted stone with Anne Knight quotation as part of the embedded public art interpretation. Image taken during installation on site. Image: Christopher Tipping
Central Chelmsford for Genesis Housing Association. Detail: Sandblasted stone with Anne Knight quotation as part of the embedded public art interpretation. Image taken during installation on site. Image: Christopher Tipping

“Never will the nations of the earth be well governed until both sexes, as well as all parties, are fully represented and have an influence, a voice, and a hand in the enactment and administration of the law”.  Anne Knight, 1847.

This famous quote by Anne Knight has been used with permission from the Library of the Religious Society of Friends in Britain, Friends House, Euston Rd, London.

Central Chelmsford for Genesis Housing Association. Detail: Sandblasted stone with references to Anne Knight of Chelmsford as part of the embedded public art interpretation. Image taken during installation on site. Image: Christopher Tipping
Central Chelmsford for Genesis Housing Association. Detail: Sandblasted stone with references to Anne Knight of Chelmsford as part of the embedded public art interpretation. Image taken during installation on site. Image: Christopher Tipping
Central Chelmsford for Genesis Housing Association. Detail: Sandblasted granite with text as part of the embedded public art interpretation. Image taken during installation on site. Image: Christopher Tipping
Central Chelmsford for Genesis Housing Association. Detail: Sandblasted granite with text as part of the embedded public art interpretation. Image taken during installation on site. Image: Christopher Tipping
Central Chelmsford for Genesis Housing Association. Detail: Central Courtyard in progress, with embedded public art & interpretative detail. Image taken during installation on site. Image: Christopher Tipping
Central Chelmsford for Genesis Housing Association. Detail: Central Courtyard in progress, with embedded public art & interpretative detail. Image taken during installation on site. Image: Christopher Tipping

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

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/

The Margate Flood and Coast Protection Scheme, aka the ‘Margate Steps’

I recently saw some new aerial images of Margate Steps at low tide taken by the project contractors Breheny – 

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Breheny have very kindly allowed me to publish them on my blog. Notwithstanding its success as an example of coastal engineering within an urban setting, these images of the project really show to good effect the scale and impact of the project.  As a public realm & additional amenity space which the step revetment provided for the town, the project was also successful as demonstrated by the awards it has won.

The project was awarded the ‘Community Award’ at the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) South East England Engineering Excellence Awards 2013. This award is for schemes, which deliver their engineering objectives whilst achieving secondary benefits for the surrounding community.

Town Pride Award 2014 as administered by the Margate Civic Society, 

I was commissioned as the project Artist by MACH – Margate Art & Cultural Heritage, Thanet District Council & the Environment Agency. My role was to supply an interpretive & contextual backdrop developed with which to influence the design process & inform the structure, detailing & interpretation of this major sea defence works. The total budget for the project was £6m.

Client Team: TDC & Margate Renewal Partnership. MACH – Margate Art & Cultural Heritage, Engineers: East Kent Engineering Partnership.

Contractor: J Breheny Contractors LtdSpecialist Concrete Pre Cast: CCP Cornish Concrete Products. Flood Risk Management Consultant: Herrington Consulting Ltd

The Margate Flood and Coast Protection Scheme. Aka the ‘Margate Steps’. Image: J Breheny Contractors Ltd
The Margate Flood and Coast Protection Scheme. Aka the ‘Margate Steps’. Image: J Breheny Contractors Ltd
The Margate Flood and Coast Protection Scheme. Aka the ‘Margate Steps’. Image: J Breheny Contractors Ltd
The Margate Flood and Coast Protection Scheme. Aka the ‘Margate Steps’. Image: J Breheny Contractors Ltd
The Margate Flood and Coast Protection Scheme. Aka the ‘Margate Steps’. Image: J Breheny Contractors Ltd
The Margate Flood and Coast Protection Scheme. Aka the ‘Margate Steps’. Image: J Breheny Contractors Ltd
The Margate Flood and Coast Protection Scheme. Aka the ‘Margate Steps’. Image: J Breheny Contractors Ltd
The Margate Flood and Coast Protection Scheme. Aka the ‘Margate Steps’. Image: J Breheny Contractors Ltd
The Margate Flood and Coast Protection Scheme. Aka the ‘Margate Steps’. Image: J Breheny Contractors Ltd
The Margate Flood and Coast Protection Scheme. Aka the ‘Margate Steps’. Image: J Breheny Contractors Ltd

 

 

 

Central Chelmsford – artworks in progress

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

Plan drawing showing the arrangement of radius timber benches within the area known as The Gate.
Plan drawing showing the arrangement of radius timber benches within the area known as The Gate.
One of the benches in the factory during manufacture by City Squared.
One of the benches in the factory during manufacture by City Squared. Image by City Squared.
Detail: Timber sections set out in the factory. Note the cnc routed text.
Detail: Timber sections set out in the factory. Note the cnc routed text. Image by City Squared.
For engineering & structural reasons, the long arcs of the benches had to be constructed in two sections.
For engineering & structural reasons, the long arcs of the benches had to be constructed in two sections. Image by City Squared
Each of the benches has a timber upstand end against which one can rest or lean. The timber detail is reinforced with a stainless steel internal frame and horizontal steel pins.
Each of the benches has a timber upstand end against which one can rest or lean. The timber detail is reinforced with a stainless steel internal frame and horizontal steel pins. Image by City Squared
2014-10-10 15.49.11
The detailing is very well engineered and finished. Image by City Squared
The timber benches sit atop a brick built plinth, which mirrors the semi circular setting out of the site. The benches here have not be fully installed and fastened.
The timber benches sit atop a brick built plinth, which mirrors the semi circular setting out of the site. The benches here have not be fully installed and fastened. Image by Ground Control

 

 

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

 

Central Chelmsford

Central Chelmsford Site Visit – Monday 2nd September 2014

Anne Knight of Chelmsford
Anne Knight of Chelmsford – Detail: ‘Anne’, sandblasted text motif in Royal Green granite by Hardscape

Client: Genesis Housing Association – Main Contractor: Denne – Project Managers: Bidwells – Architects: PTE architects – Landscape Architects: Area Landscape Architects – Arts Consultant: Frances Lord

507 new homes as well as retail and offices will make up the new development. The project is delivering a blueprint for a new community in Chelmsford.

The site has a number of key buildings once part of Anglia Ruskin University, which are being partly or wholly retained and refurbished. These are the Frederick Chancellor Building of 1905 and the Law Building of 1931.

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.

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Anne Knight was a Quaker and a stalwart Anti Abolitionist, one of very few women to attend the World Anti Slavery Convention meeting held in London in 1840. She would have attended this Quaker Meeting House, now named after her. This is the key anchor building on site.
Anne Knight Building
The refurbished Anne Knight Building with new public realm

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The view of The Gate with its blue black brick curved elevation. This area is intended as a public open space, extending the forecourt and public realm of Chelmsford Station. The ground floor elevations are glazed and the interiors will be used as retail and food outlets.

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Looking South, through the aperture into The Place. The elevation of The Gate is dynamic & brooding. The crisp detailing is pared down. A facade of cantilevered black balconies appear to jut out from deep into the interior of the building from recessed windows.

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Looking south towards Central Park through The Place. The main pedestrian route will be on the left of this image, with the remaining site will be landscaped as a formal courtyard garden for residents and visitors alike

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The view north, towards  the Station from within The Place

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These are both samples of text to be used in the interpretive artwork which is embedded throughout the site. The sample on the left is York Stone with inset water jet cut grey granite, by Ashfield Ltd. Inset text such as this is used for step risers at the south of the site. The sandblasted sample on the right is part of a Royal Green granite paving supplied by Hardscape , called The Stream which runs continuously through the site north to south. Both interventions are based on contextual and site specific research I undertook.

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