THE ALBERT ROAD LANDMARK SCULPTURE
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The Work
The works shown here are a synthesis of several ideas coming together after much thought, consultation and development. The main theme is derived from wave forms, water and the wind. The idea is to capture the varied human interactions with these elements by creating different shapes and forms. Some are reminiscent of old fashioned windbreaks, used on a day out at the beach; others are the shape of sails either unfurled or in the process of unfurling.
The shapes created and the use of multiple forms, each overlapping or appearing to be interlocking are also reminiscent of the human spine. As referred to previously, it was felt important to make reference to the human interactions and the influence of the people who have created this area and have lived and worked in Albert Road for many years. The road is and has been an important main stay/back bone of the community and this is reflected in the structure of the piece.
One of the reasons for choosing these interlocking forms is that they create a very dynamic shape. When placed on the traffic island entrance looking into Albert Road, these forms will direct and also hold the eye of the viewer to look at the piece and then draw the eye down the road to the theatre and beyond.
Looking in the opposite direction away from Albert Road the piece rises from near ground level up to a point approximately 3m high heralding the entrance to Albert Road and acting as a beacon to passing motorists and pedestrians alike.
The use of multiple forms as part of the piece will, with the addition of lighting, create overlapping coloured shadows on the ground. Careful use of lighting can also make coloured shadows appear on the walls of the neighbouring shops in the evenings.
There is also a possibility to explore installing solar panels on the roofs of local buildings in order to collect energy which could be used to light the piece.
Fabrication
The structure will be made in steel with toughened, laminated, coloured, screen printed glass. There will also be opportunities to have waterjet cut pierced areas within the laminated glass which will give interesting lighting effects, that is, projection of coloured light/shadows on the ground.
Process of Fabrication of Piece
Below shows work necessary and suggested sub contractors, in order to fabricate the piece:
All private companies listed have worked on previous commissions with both artists.
Architectural drawings - James Richie Architects
Structural calculations - Maughan Reynolds Structural Engineers
Foundations - Portsmouth Council
Metal fabrication - Architecural Metalworkers Ltd.
Glass fabrication - Peterlee Glass
On site electrics - Portsmouth Council or private contractor
Lighting design - Stage Electrics Ltd.
Outline Costs
We are working to a budget of £50,000 to fabricate the piece, however accurate costs can only be achieved once architect's drawing are supplied for sub contractors to work with.
Other Works Proposed for Albert Road
Although not part of the initial brief it is proposed that the public art works are carried on in Albert Road linking the east and north end of road.
Light Columns
These columns are made in curved laminated glass and stainless steel with a central light LED tube. They will stand approximately 4m high. The bottom section will be in stainless steel with the top two thirds in curved laminated textured glass. The idea for these light columns comes from looking at a sail or flag being unfurled into the wind. The LED lights can be programmed to follow a colour sequence or stay one colour. These light columns are seen as a decorative addition to the street lighting already present in the road. It is proposed that there would be two or three positioned along the length of the road linking one end with the other. Please see illustrations
Seating
It is proposed that a seat be installed at the far end of Albert Road to complement the sculptural piece at the other end of the road. Helping to create a sense of continuity to the works, the idea is to create a seat that has a back rest, the design of which is based on windbreaks. Like the sculptural work, the back rest will be made in toughened, laminated, coloured, screen printed glass. The shaped seats will be made of polished cast concrete with inclusion of recycled glass. The pieces of glass within the concrete will catch the light and will have an appearance similar to pieces of sea glass found washed up on the beach. Please see illustrations.
Important notice
Please note that all glass used externally will conform to all current Health and Safety legislation.
Cate Watkinson and Vanessa Cutler 2009
To send any comments on the project to Cate, Vanessa or Albert Road Traders Association, please complete the form below.
