Architecture – Page 2

Top Tips For How To Improve Plant Growth In Your Garden

Creating a thriving garden with healthy plants is a rewarding experience. Whether you are a novice gardener or have years of experience, there are always new strategies to learn and implement to enhance plant growth. This guide provides top tips to help you improve the vitality of your garden.

Choose the Right Plants

Selecting the right plants for your garden is crucial. Consider the specific climate of your area, soil type, and the amount of sunlight your garden receives. Opt for native plants or those well-adapted to your local conditions, as they are more likely to thrive with less effort. Research plants beforehand to ensure that your choices will flourish in your garden’s unique environment. Investing in a greenhouse can mean you’re able to grow a greater variety of plant types that might need extra protection from the elements. Lean-to greenhouses are a great option for smaller spaces, and you can shop by type at South West Greenhouses to find the right one for your garden.

Improve Your Soil

The foundation of successful gardening lies in rich, healthy soil. Begin by having your soil tested to understand its pH level and nutrient content. Depending on the results, you might need to amend your soil. Adding organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure can improve soil structure, enhance nutrient content, and boost moisture retention. Remember, different plants require different soil types, so tailor your soil amendments to meet the needs of your specific garden plants.

Water Wisely

Proper watering is essential for plant health. Over-watering can lead to root rot and other diseases, while under-watering can stress plants. Water your plants early in the morning to reduce evaporation and allow the water to soak deeply into the soil, encouraging deeper root growth. Consider installing a drip irrigation system for efficient water use. Additionally, mulching around plants helps retain moisture and keeps the soil temperature regulated.

Encourage Pollinators

Attracting pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and birds to your garden not only adds vibrancy but also promotes plant health through pollination. Plant a variety of flowers for pollinators that bloom at different times of the year to provide continuous nectar sources. Avoid using pesticides, as these can harm beneficial insects and other wildlife.

Fertilise Appropriately

Fertilising your plants can provide them with essential nutrients that might be lacking in the soil. However, it’s important to fertilise correctly; too much can burn plants and too little can leave them malnourished. Use a good-quality liquid fertiliser and follow the recommended rates on the packaging. Consider using organic fertilisers like fish emulsion or bone meal, which release nutrients slowly and are less likely to cause damage.

Practice Crop Rotation and Companion Planting

Rotating crops and planting companions can significantly benefit your garden. Crop rotation prevents soil depletion and reduces the build-up of pests and diseases. Companion planting, on the other hand, can improve growth by attracting beneficial insects and enhancing soil nutrients. For example, planting marigolds near vegetables can deter pests, and growing beans next to corn can help fix nitrogen in the soil for the corn to use.

Monitor and Manage Pests

Regular monitoring of your garden is essential to detect pest problems early. If you find pests, identify them correctly and choose the most effective management method with the least environmental impact. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques, such as using biological controls (introducing natural predators like ladybugs), physical barriers (such as netting), and organic pesticides, are preferable for maintaining a healthy ecosystem.

The Colony is the Lisbon artist Tomás Joao’s known as Nature the Artist

Act Now, City, Climate, Climate Emergency, Culture

The Colony is presented in a new exhibition by Lisbon-born artist, Tomás João

A groundbreaking revelation unfolds at King’s Cross as ‘Nature The Artist’ unveils “The Colony,” an exhibition illuminating the enigmatic world of subterranean bees discovered in London years ago. Delving into 15 years of research, viewers are invited to ponder the profound essence of these bees’ existence.

The exhibition opened on April 10th, unveiling bees’ intricate lives. Initially perceived as ordinary creatures fulfilling their ecological roles, deeper exploration suggests a deeper narrative. Nature The Artist’s debut UK exhibition invites visitors into a dimly lit space, urging them to approach beehive structures with caution. Amidst the darkness, subtle encounters with the unknown species unveil a nuanced reality, challenging perceptions and underscoring nature’s transient beauty.

Tomás João, the creative force behind Nature The Artist, emphasizes the intrinsic artistry of bees and their vital role in sustaining life. While human society often disrupts ecosystems, “The Colony” beckons viewers to reevaluate their relationship with nature and acknowledge the delicate balance of existence.

“Bees are the basis of life; we need them to be able to sustain ourselves. Here we discover how these bees are the artists; one of many in the natural world.”
Tomás João, Nature The Artist,

The building and developing of colonies are things we have in common with the animal world, but, unlike most species which do their best to evolve to maintain their territories, humanity tends to dominate, destroying their environments and everything in them.

The Colony Exhibitio at Gaholders, the first UK exhibition of Lisbon-born artist, Tomás João, also known as Nature The Artist

Located at King’s Cross, the exhibition runs until April 21st, opening times are 12-8pm Wednesday-Friday and 11am-5pm Saturday-Sunday inviting visitors to reflect on humanity’s relationship with the environment.

“We are excited to welcome The Colony to King’s Cross this spring and watch as people engage with the beautiful artworks and reflect on the importance of this vital species. We do everything we can to champion and enhance the natural world at King’s Cross and it is fitting that the exhibition is just across the way from Camley Street Natural Park which attracts some of London’s favourite wildlife.”
Chrissy Cullen, Place Marketing Director at King’s Cross

“The Colony” is a testament to Nature The Artist’s commitment to showcasing nature’s inherent beauty and advocating for its protection. With participatory elements and thought-provoking displays, the exhibition ignites conversations about conservation and humanity’s responsibility towards the natural world.

For more information about the exhibition and King’s Cross’ annual art program,

Architecture, Change, Culture, Design, Featured, New Products, self-building

Revolutionising Spaces: The HOMErs Approach to Modern Living

HOMErs redefine the housing landscape with its range of quick-to-assemble homes. Beginning with simple designs and evolving to ultra-modern flat pack versions, these homes are constructed from galvanized steel frame structures with thermally efficient polyurethane wall panels.

Revolutionising the housing industry with its innovative approach to home construction. Embracing modular construction techniques, delivering high-quality, customisable homes that offer both efficiency and sustainability.

Priced from just circa €1,300/m2 indoor and €650/m2 outdoor (factory gate price), HOMErs’ flatpack design translates to low transport and assembly costs. Moreover, homeowners can initially purchase 2-3 modules and expand over time as their need grows, or effortlessly disassemble and relocate the house. What’s more, these homes come fully furnished at no additional cost.

Energy efficiency is central to both the HOMErs production process and for the occupant, with solar panels already in place and plans for the addition of battery and energy management systems.

In essence, HOMErs sets a new standard for modular sustainable housing. With its commitment to quality, energy efficiency, and innovation, HOMErs empowers homeowners to embrace flexibility, efficiency, and sustainability without compromising on comfort or style.

Art, Art films, City, Climate, Climate Emergency, Community, Culture, Featured, Film, Filmmaking, Future, Installation, Nature, News, Wellness

Multi-award-winning filmmaker and artist Di Mainstone has been commissioned to create a new immersive digital artwork in collaboration with the people of Stockport

Manchester-based arts and culture organisation FutureEverything will kick start their exciting programme of public-facing digital arts activities, as part of the Stockport Creative Campus initiative, with a residency, workshop programme, and a world premiere of a new digital artwork by acclaimed artist Di Mainstone.

Di Mainstone is a multi-disciplinary artist and international award-winning filmmaker, who collaborates with communities, scientists, historians, and musicians to develop powerful films, playful public installations, and immersive experiences. Her recent work focuses on themes of climate change, biodiversity loss, and forgotten women’s histories.

Di’s commissions include the award-winning climate-inspired film ‘Time Bascule‘, celebrating the 125th anniversary of London’s Tower Bridge; ‘Human Harp’, a digital musical device that transforms suspension bridges into giant harps that people can play and ‘Time Mirror’, an interactive kaleidoscope for the public realm, installed at BlackwellArts & Crafts House and later Grizedale Sculpture Park. Her work has been exhibited and screened at the Royal Institute of British Architects, V&A, Design Museum, Barbican, The National Portrait Gallery, Tower Bridge, The Roundhouse, The Cannes Film Festival, Eyebeam NYC, and the Swedish National Touring Theatre.

Building on Di’s international reputation for innovative and accessible art installations and her ongoing quest to emphasise the importance of ecological issues, the Stockport commission ‘Emotional Biodiversity’ will invite us to examine our emotional and neurological response to biodiversity loss, through the lens of soil.

Drawing on her passion for community collaboration, this Spring will see Di co-design and deliver a series of creative engagement workshops for a diverse range of communities from across Stockport. Workshop participants will be invited to explore their emotional connection to the landscape and biodiversity of Stockport, in a way that feels current, accessible, and fun.

Participants will be invited to unearth and decorate a bulb from the soil, before imagining and creating a species of bulb which will later be 3D scanned and planted in the digital artwork. They will be asked to consider the name of their species, what kind of environment it might inhabit, and what its message to future citizens of Stockport would be.

Di will facilitate discussions about climate change and record participants’ feelings around emotional biodiversity: What connection do they feel to Stockport? What does it mean to become part of the fabric of a place? These interviews, in addition to the bulb creations, will become part of the final digital artwork.

The workshops will provide a space for people across Stockport to re-engage with their surroundings, connect the past, present, and future, as well as reflect on the town’s rich heritage, innovation, and community.

Participating Community Groups: Stockport Race Equality Partnership; Coffee, Chill & Spill; Wellspring Centre; Re-dish; Stockport Women & Girls; Sector 3; PossAbilities; Asian Heritage Centre; and Culture Bridge.

The ‘Emotional Biodiversity’ digital artwork will be presented in Stockport town centre later this year.

This programme of work forms part of the Stockport Creative Campus. Funded primarily by DCMS via Arts Council England’s Cultural Development Fund (CDF), Stockport Creative Campus aims to make Stockport a centre for creativity and digital innovation in the North.

Architecture

How Businesses Can Use Pop Art in Marketing Campaigns

Pop art emerged in the 1950s and 1960s as a reaction to the seriousness and elitism of abstract expressionism. With its bold colours and imagery borrowed from popular consumer culture, pop art is highly accessible and eye-catching. These qualities make pop art an effective approach for businesses looking to inject creativity, fun, and visual impact into their marketing campaigns. Below we’ll explore how businesses can incorporate pop art into their advertising, social media, website design, and more.

Using Colour and Imagery to Stand Out

One of the pop art characteristics that most defines it is its bright, bold colours and clearly defined imagery often borrowed from commercial items like product packaging and advertisements. By utilising similarly vivid colours and graphic visuals, brands can make their marketing visually engaging in the same way.

For example, an ad campaign could use blocks of vibrant colour, dynamic shapes, and comic book-inspired outlining to grab attention. Product photos could be edited to have a flat, graphic look and brighter colours. The key is to move away from conventional stock images and muted colour palettes and embrace a more pop art aesthetic. This will help marketing assets look less generic and blend in less with competitors’ campaigns.

Paint Brush Fonts and Speech Bubbles

In addition to bold colours and graphics, pop art has some recognisable text elements that brands can adopt as well. Speech bubbles and paintbrush-style fonts are two options.

Speech bubbles can add a fun, comic-book vibe and grab attention when coupled with dynamic illustrations. Brands can place taglines or calls to action inside speech bubbles in display ads or website banners. Paintbrush-style fonts have a hand-lettered look inspired by pop art lettering on posters. Using these fonts and adding splatter textures or outlines to text can make type blend right in with the art style. An eye-catching font will make copy feel like part of the art rather than just standard text.

Pop-Art Inspired Branding

Beyond just advertisements and individual assets, some brands adopt pop art’s bold visual style into their core branding. This can include having illustrations in branding assets like logos, creating retail stores or trade show booths with colourful pop art decor, using pop art motifs through websites, using pop-inspired patterns on packaging, and more. Full adoption of pop art for branding and retail environments helps cement a brand’s image and creates a more immersive, engaging customer experience.

Avoiding Gimmicks

When incorporating pop art into a marketing strategy, brands should take care to avoid seeming gimmicky. Pop art’s goal is to create accessible art for everyone, not gratuitous use of colour and cultural references.

Brands can avoid this by using pop art with purpose and not going overboard. For example, highlight brand values through the smart use of colour rather than blindly mimicking Warhol’s colour blocking. Feature pop culture cues relevant to the audience rather than forcing in whatever trend is new. Keep implementation thoughtful. Well-executed pop art style will feel fresh and capture attention, while bad pop art can read as lazy and generic.

Using Templates to Create Pop Art Designs Easily

Some brands may not have the budget or need for custom pop art illustrations in their campaigns. Fortunately, creating pop art designs is easy using templates. Tools like Adobe offer templates for social media posts, banners, flyers, and more with changeable text options and built-in filters to give imagery a flat, graphic pop art look. Some templates incorporate speech bubbles, bright colours, and comic book effects so marketers can quickly give their assets a pop art aesthetic without hiring designers.

Pop Art Has Potential in Many Verticals

Pop art style isn’t limited just to traditional art-adjacent industries. The combination of nostalgia and modernity can be leveraged across sectors like:

Retail – Bold colours, prints, and graphics used in visual merchandising grab shoppers’ attention. Illustrations showing shoppers their aspirational “best self” builds emotional connections.
Technology – A bright pop art design ethos stands out against minimalist tech competitors. Vintage references appeal to millennial and Gen Z users.
Food & Beverage – Using pop art packaging and menu branding conveys fun. Pop art paper straws, serving trays, etc., also provide visual interest.
Events – Commissioning pop art installations or backdrops make venues more vibrant and “Instagrammable” for guests.

The playfulness of pop art universally appeals to human visual senses and emotions. With thoughtful strategy, brands across verticals can leverage pop art to capture consumer imaginations.

Key Takeaways

Pop art’s eye-catching aesthetic makes it a compelling marketing tactic for businesses looking to attract attention in a bold, creative way. Some tips for smartly incorporating pop art include:

Use vibrant colours and graphic imagery reminiscent of pop art’s recognisable style
Reference relevant pop culture symbols to establish relevance
Use templates and design assets that make executing pop art accessible
Partner with respected pop artists to tap into their expertise
Make pop art part of overall branding and experiences when possible
Avoid gimmicks by using pop art thoughtfully and consistently

With pop art, brands can breathe new visual life into campaigns and engage audiences seeking something beyond generic advertising. Much like pop artists drew in new art audiences, brands can use this creative movement to attract consumer eyes in innovative ways.

Architecture

Elevating Your Living Space: Design Trends and Innovative Home Appliances

The concept of home has always been synonymous with comfort and personal expression. Today, interior design transcends mere aesthetics, weaving in elements of functionality, technology, and environmental consciousness. This article delves into the latest trends and innovations in home design, revealing how they can elevate not just the visual appeal of your living space, but also its practicality and sustainability. From the textures that enliven a room to the smart appliances that bring convenience and efficiency, we will explore how these elements can be harmoniously integrated into modern homes. This journey through contemporary interior design aims to inspire and inform, offering insights into creating spaces that are both beautiful and beneficial to our daily lives.

Current Trends in Interior Design

The realm of interior design is constantly evolving, with current trends reflecting a blend of comfort, functionality, and style. Minimalism continues to hold sway, favouring clean lines and uncluttered spaces that promote tranquillity and ease. However, there’s a growing inclination towards ‘Japandi’ – a fusion of Japanese simplicity and Scandinavian functionality, characterised by natural materials, muted colours, and minimal ornamentation. Biophilic design, which integrates natural elements like plants, water features, and ample natural light, is also gaining prominence, offering a sense of connection to the outdoors. Additionally, the resurgence of vintage and artisanal pieces reflects a desire for uniqueness and personalisation in home decor. These trends collectively point towards a more mindful approach to design – one that values quality, sustainability, and personal expression.

The Role of Colour and Texture

Colour and texture are pivotal in shaping the atmosphere of a room. The current trend leans towards a palette that combines calming neutrals with bold accents. Soft pastels like blush pink and sage green are often juxtaposed with deep blues or a vibrant terracotta, creating a dynamic yet harmonious look. Textures, too, play a crucial role in adding depth and interest. Rich, tactile materials such as velvet, bouclé, and natural fibres are increasingly popular, providing both visual and sensory pleasure. Wall finishes, from matte paint to textured wallpapers, add layers of complexity, while flooring choices like hardwood and patterned tiles contribute to the room’s overall character. The strategic use of colour and texture can transform a space, making it visually appealing and emotionally resonant.

Smart Appliances for Smart Homes

The integration of smart appliances into home design is a testament to the seamless blend of style and technology. Today’s market offers an array of smart devices that enhance convenience and contribute to a home’s aesthetic. Smart refrigerators with touch screens, voice-activated assistants, and energy-efficient washing machines that can be controlled remotely are becoming commonplace. These appliances are designed with sleek lines and modern finishes, ensuring they complement the interior decor. The rise of smart home ecosystems allows these devices to be interconnected, providing homeowners with the ability to control lighting, heating, and security systems from a single interface. The adoption of these smart appliances signifies a shift towards homes that are more responsive, efficient, and attuned to the needs of their inhabitants.

Space Optimisation Techniques

Maximising space, particularly in compact homes, is a critical aspect of modern interior design. The key lies in intelligent layout planning and multi-functional furniture. Wall-mounted shelves, hidden storage solutions, and convertible furniture pieces are increasingly popular for their space-saving properties. Designers are focusing on creating furniture that can adapt to different needs, like beds with built-in storage or extendable dining tables. Mirrors are also strategically used to create an illusion of space, making rooms appear larger and more open. In addition, the thoughtful division of areas using screens or open shelving ensures that spaces remain airy and connected, while still providing distinct functional zones. By employing these techniques, even the smallest of spaces can be transformed into comfortable, stylish, and practical living areas.

The Evolution of Home Heating

Heating systems have undergone significant transformations, becoming more efficient, compact, and aesthetically pleasing. A key development in this evolution is the rise of combi boilers. These systems are lauded for their efficiency and space-saving design, making them a popular choice in modern homes. Combi boilers provide both heating and hot water without the need for separate water tanks, offering a streamlined solution that fits well in smaller spaces. Additionally, the latest models of combi boilers are designed with both functionality and aesthetics in mind, ensuring they integrate smoothly into various interior styles. The best combi boilers on the market not only enhance the efficiency of home heating but also contribute to the overall design ethos of contemporary living spaces, merging practicality with style.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Choices

Sustainability in interior design is no longer optional but a necessity for a responsible lifestyle. This approach extends beyond the choice of materials to the very ethos of how we design our living spaces. Eco-friendly design choices include the use of recycled or sustainable materials like bamboo, cork, and reclaimed wood. These materials are not only environmentally responsible but also add warmth and character to the home. Energy efficiency is another crucial aspect, with LED lighting and energy-saving appliances becoming standard in eco-conscious homes. Water conservation efforts, such as low-flow faucets and dual-flush toilets, are also gaining popularity. Moreover, the use of non-toxic paints and adhesives contributes to better indoor air quality. By making sustainable choices, homeowners can create spaces that are aesthetically pleasing and kinder to the environment, ensuring a healthier planet for future generations.

Lighting: Setting the Mood and Style

Lighting in interior design is crucial for creating the right ambiance and enhancing the aesthetic appeal of a space. It goes beyond mere functionality; it’s about setting a mood, highlighting key features, and complementing the overall design theme. The current trend leans towards a mix of statement lighting and subtle, ambient sources. Pendant lights and chandeliers act as focal points, especially in living and dining areas, while LED strip lighting and smart, dimmable bulbs offer versatility in mood setting. The choice of lighting fixtures is also an opportunity to add a touch of personal style – from industrial metal finishes to elegant glass or organic, woven materials. Task lighting in kitchens and studies has become more sophisticated, focusing on efficiency and comfort. The thoughtful placement and selection of lighting can dramatically transform a space, creating depth, warmth, and a welcoming atmosphere.

Personalising Your Space

Creating a personal touch in your living space is about more than just selecting furniture and colour schemes; it’s about infusing your personality into every corner. Personalisation can start with displaying cherished collections, family photographs, or artwork that speaks to your experiences and tastes. Customisation can also come through DIY projects, like upcycling furniture or creating your own wall art. Textiles play a significant role too; choosing unique cushions, throws, or rugs can add warmth and character. Even small details like distinctive door handles, quirky bookends, or a statement clock can make a space distinctly yours. Incorporating personal mementos and handpicked items ensures that your home is not just stylish, but also a true reflection of who you are.

Furniture Selections for Modern Spaces

Choosing furniture for modern spaces involves balancing aesthetics with functionality. In contemporary interiors, furniture with clean lines and minimalistic designs are often preferred. Modular and flexible pieces, like sectional sofas or extendable tables, are increasingly popular for their adaptability in various layouts. Materials also play a crucial role; natural woods, metals, and glass are widely used for their timeless appeal and durability. For a touch of sophistication, designer pieces or mid-century modern classics can serve as focal points. Multi-functional furniture like sofa beds, ottomans with storage, or wall-mounted desks can be both practical and stylish in smaller spaces. The key is to select pieces that not only suit the current design trends but also cater to the specific needs and dimensions of your space.

Tech-Forward Living: The Rise of Home Automation

The integration of home automation technology marks a significant shift in how we interact with our living spaces. Smart home systems, encompassing everything from lighting and temperature control to security and entertainment, are transforming homes into interconnected, responsive environments. Voice-activated assistants, programmable thermostats, and automated blinds are just a few examples of how technology can enhance convenience and efficiency. These systems can be tailored to individual preferences, learning routines, and adjusting settings for optimal comfort. Moreover, the aesthetic integration of this technology has improved, with sleek, unobtrusive designs that seamlessly blend into modern decor. The rise of home automation represents a leap in technological advancement and offers a more personalised, intuitive living experience.

Innovative Storage Solutions for Clutter-Free Living

Innovative storage solutions play a vital role in the quest for a clutter-free living space. Designers are increasingly focusing on creating smart storage options that are functional and aesthetically pleasing. Built-in shelves and hidden compartments are popular for maximising space without compromising the design. Modular storage systems offer flexibility, allowing homeowners to customise according to their specific needs. For small spaces, multi-functional furniture with integrated storage is a game-changer, providing utility without clutter. Even staircases and under-bed spaces are being utilised for extra storage. These creative solutions help maintain a tidy, organised home, ensuring that every item has its place, contributing to a serene and orderly living environment.

The Psychology of Space: Designing for Wellbeing

Designing spaces with wellbeing in mind involves understanding the psychological impact of the environment on its inhabitants. The layout, colour scheme, lighting, and even the materials used can significantly affect mood and mental health. Open, airy spaces with ample natural light are known to boost mood and productivity. Choosing calming colours like blues and greens can create a serene atmosphere, while vibrant hues can energise a room. Incorporating elements of nature, whether through plants, natural light, or materials like wood and stone, can enhance feelings of calm and connectedness. Ergonomic furniture and thoughtful layout contribute to physical comfort and ease of movement. By considering these psychological aspects, interior design can create spaces that support mental and emotional wellbeing, making homes not just places to live, but places to thrive.

Creating Multi-Functional Spaces in Urban Homes

Urban homes, often limited by space, necessitate innovative approaches to maximise functionality without sacrificing style. Multi-functional spaces are the answer to this urban challenge. The key is in versatile furniture and clever layout choices. Convertible sofas, Murphy beds, and extendable dining tables are quintessential in transforming a single room for multiple purposes. Room dividers, which can double as bookshelves, offer the flexibility to alter the space as needed. A well-designed kitchen island can serve as a dining area, workspace, and storage unit. Creative use of vertical space with wall-mounted shelves or hanging bike racks frees up floor area. By carefully selecting and arranging furniture and fixtures, urban homes can be converted into versatile, multi-use spaces that are both efficient and aesthetically pleasing, providing urban dwellers with a functional yet cosy living environment.

Integrating Indoor and Outdoor Living

The integration of indoor and outdoor living spaces is a growing trend, reflecting a desire to blur the boundaries between inside and outside. This approach is not just about large glass doors or windows, although these play a significant role. It’s about creating a seamless flow, where the interior design complements the exterior and vice versa. The use of similar or complementary materials and colour palettes helps achieve this continuity. Outdoor spaces are being furnished with as much care as interiors, using weather-resistant fabrics, rugs, and comfortable seating. Indoor plants, green walls, and natural elements like wood and stone are increasingly used inside to mirror the outdoor environment. This harmonious integration enriches the living experience, offering a tranquil and cohesive space that encourages relaxation and a closer connection with nature.

Conclusion

In conclusion, elevating your living space involves a harmonious blend of design trends and innovative home appliances. Embracing current interior design trends, understanding the power of colour and texture, and integrating smart technology can transform your home into a haven of comfort and style. The evolution of home heating systems, particularly the integration of efficient combi boilers, and the commitment to sustainable choices reflect a forward-thinking approach to home design. Lighting plays a pivotal role in setting the mood and defining the style of a space, while integrating indoor and outdoor living enhances the overall living experience. This journey through various aspects of interior design demonstrates that with thoughtful consideration and creativity, it’s possible to create a living space that is visually stunning, functionally robust, and environmentally conscious.

Art, Articles, City, Community, Culture, Featured

A Tribute to John Dolan: Revisiting our Urban Scape Edition

In remembrance of the late street artist John Dolan, one year since his departure we’ve made the decision to revisit an interview featured in our 2014 Urban Scape edition.

Following our interview with John for this special feature he became a good friend of Design Exchange and his absence is deeply felt by all of us and on the streets of Shoreditch. In this particular edition, we also had the privilege of commissioning John to create artwork for our header pages and featured him prominently on the cover.

Originally showcased in the 2014 Urban Scape edition of Design Exchange this piece continues to reflect the enduring impact of John Dolan’s big character and his street art

If you’ve visited Shoreditch recently, you may have noticed John Dolan and his dog, George, sitting outside on the pavement of the High Street.

Last year, when we first met Dolan, he was homeless and spent most of his days drawing pictures of George and the surrounding city. Today, however, his artwork is well known and he’s recently enjoyed showings in London. These include a successful exhibition at the Howard Griffin Gallery on Shoreditch High Street last September entitled George the Dog John the Artist, which sold out and in which five works alone went for £15,000. Dolan currently has new shows planned for 2014 in New York and Los Angeles and Random House are publishing his life story internationally this year. Nonetheless, even with a busy schedule, he took the time to do some exclusive drawings for Design Exchange, as seen throughout this issue

Tell us a bit about yourself, did you grow up in London?

I grew up on City Road, EC1 on the Kings Square Estate opposite Gordon’s Gin Factory. I could walk from my house and be at the steps of St Paul’s Cathedral in ten minutes. I would stand on a monument of Queen Victoria that’s just opposite St Paul’s every Lord Mayor’s day and watch the processions go by. Early on in my life I made some bad choices and found myself homeless and in and out of jail for a period of twenty years. Three years ago I became an artist.

How did the drawing start? was this something you have always been doing?

I have always been able to draw. I was born with natural artistic talent, passed down to me from my grandfather who was also an artist. But there have been many years when I’d never even pick up a pen because I was banged up or on the streets. I neglected my talent for long periods of time. I only picked up the pen again because I had been homeless for a long time and was getting older and it was make or break for me. I found myself in Shoreditch, the art capital of the country and I started sitting out on Shoreditch High Street because you never know who is going to walk past you from one day to the next.

What inspires your work, has being home-less in Shoreditch inspired you?

I get my inspiration from everything around me, but initially, my main inspiration was these two decrepit old buildings in Shoreditch opposite where I used to sit (and still occasionally do sit). I used these buildings as a study for three years and drew them hundreds of times. Shoreditch has been my greatest inspiration and has inspired me in more ways than I ever realised. The fashion, the people, the history, and the general vibe of the entire area gives me great inspiration each day.

Do you have a building / urban area you would love to draw?

I like to draw the run down buildings that no one really takes any notice of or pays much attention to. I like the grime and dark alleyways, the buildings that are just about ready to fall down. If they have street art or graffiti on them then to me that makes them more appealing and beautiful. For the magazine, I have been drawing cityscapes of a different style and I also prefer to draw buildings from the ground up! However, I do love how the aerial views come together on completion and I like the London architecture in the Square Mile because it fits in with all the old buildings. There is a lot of history in London, especially the City of London with the parts of the old Roman wall running through it. The modern architecture has been built to fit in with the old architecture and as much as it is out of place, it is not out of place, it works. I’ve used Shoreditch as a launch pad and will branch out around the world once I have established myself more on the art scene – watch this space!

Future plans what next?

I’ve just finished writing my life story which will be published this July by Random House. I am also working on a big project with the Museum of London in May and planning an exhibition in Los Angeles for later in the year.

John Dolan drawings of Shoreditch for Design Exchange Urban Scape edition ©John Dolan — John Dolan drawings of the City of London from Shoreditch for Design Exchange Urban Scape edition ©John Dolan

First Published in print in the 2014 Urban Scape edition of Design Exchange.

Act Now, Animation, Architecture, Art, Art films, Bridges, Change, Cities, City, Climate, Climate Emergency, Community, Culture, Dance, Documentary, Film, Filmmaking, Future, Media, Music, Nature, News, Podcast, Research, science, Sound, Wellness

Time Bascule a Film by Di Mainstone

This weekend (Sat 22nd & Sunday 23rd July) “Time Bascule”, is being screened at the Scoop Cinema – an amphitheater just a stone’s throw from Tower Bridge. Her film was commissioned by Tower Bridge to celebrate its 125th Anniversary and will be looping every hour between 12:00-18:00 over the weekend as part of a free festival called In a Field by a Bridge, which brings together a selection of films exploring sustainability, ecology, nature, community, localism, and creativity. Below is a feature that Design Exchange wrote about the film:

2020 has given us all reason to stop and take stock, and beneath the obvious crises the year has brought to the fore conversations around the Climate Emergency, and how memories are recorded, stored, and recalled.

Both of these subjects are tackled in a new work from artist and filmmaker Di Mainstone. The commission was originally created to mark the 125th Anniversary of Tower Bridge and nods to Mainstone’s “Human Harp” project, in which she played New York’s Brooklyn Bridge, Bristol’s Clifton Suspension Bridge and others like industrial-strength harps.

‘Time Bascule’ sees Mainstone reimagine one of London’s most iconic landmarks as a giant musical instrument, a focal point for a make-believe world where dream-like fantasy and reality meet in a fairytale-esque story, retelling a forgotten but significant chapter of the structure’s history. That of Hannah Griggs, a keen gardener, Cook-In-Service to the Bridge Master 1911-1915 and one of the first women employed at the landmark.

During lockdown Mainstone used her time to further develop the film’s storyline, mixing her fantastical imaginings of Hannah Griggs with documentary interviews captured on the 125th Anniversary of the crossing. ‘Time Bascule’ has since garnered attention around the world. An aesthetic delight from start to finish, it’s also rich with jumping-off points for deeper discourse, such as how Griggs’ story was unearthed on Tower Bridge and how her role is now celebrated. Why were other women like Griggs so often ‘written out of history’? What does this tell us about biases within society and history? Who decides what constitutes an event that is deemed historic?

Enfolded within the film’s storyline, Mainstone explores the discovery of Griggs’ connection to Tower Bridge, which was unearthed by chance, a century after she left the landmark when her granddaughter Susan Belcher visited the crossing. Staff overheard Susan telling a friend that her grandmother was one of the first women to work at Tower Bridge.

“Today, Tower Bridge celebrates Hannah Griggs in an exhibition in their Engine Rooms. When I first saw Hannah’s portrait, I remember being transfixed by her arresting gaze and wondering if perhaps she had been a Suffragette!” explains Mainstone.

Time Bascule, A film by Di Mainstone — A still from Time Bascule, featuring a portrait of Hannah Griggs taken around the time that she worked at Tower Bridge

Within the film, scenes of a greened thoroughfare complete with white dandelions spanning the River Thames, reference Grigg’s love of gardening. This could also be read as a subtle (or perhaps not-so) nod to the ill-fated Garden Bridge project, which the UK capital spent £53million drawing up plans for, before ditching the idea altogether. Meanwhile, the jarring vision of nature taking over this Kodak-favourite site via bright and fantastical renderings of wildlife can’t help but invoke conversations about our urgent need to re-wild much of the planet.

“In my imagination, Tower Bridge’s iconic“bascule” system, which seesaws up and down for passing ships, became a symbol for the equilibrium of our planet’s ecosystems, ” Mainstone says.

Time Bascule, A film by Di Mainstone: Dendelion Walk — Time Bascule, A film by Di Mainstone: Dandelion Walk ©Time Bascule

“Tower Bridge introduced me to Hannah Griggs’ granddaughter Susan Belcher and her great-granddaughter and doppelgänger Hannah Belcher. The pair told me that as far as they knew Hannah was not a Suffragette but she had been a passionate gardener, growing fruit, veg, and flowers which she would sell at the market,” says Mainstone.

Hannah Griggs and family: (from left) Hannah Griggs taken while at Tower Bridge, Hannah Griggs and her husband gardening, Hannah Griggs and her daughter Lily-Rose, Lily-Rose playing music to the plants in Hannah's garden — Hannah Griggs and family: (from left) A portrait of Hannah Griggs taken while she worked at Tower Bridge, Hannah Griggs and her husband gardening, Hannah Griggs and her daughter Lily-Rose, Lily-Rose playing music to the plants in Hannah’s garden

“I was later introduced to Lily-Rose Adams, daughter of Hannah Griggs, who very sadly passed away in the summer. Susan shared a picture of Lily-Rose in her mother’s Garden playing music through a gramophone. The idea of music and its effect on plant growth was seeded. I later learned that Susan and Hannah Belcher both care deeply about the environment.” she continues, before recalling the experience of working on the project.

Time Bascule, A film by Di Mainstone Left: Lily-Rose Adams, Susan Belcher and Hannah Belcher at Lily's house Right: Hannah Belcher and Shelley Kyne who played Hannah at the Time Bascule screening at Tower Bridge — Left: Lily-Rose Adams, Susan Belcher and Hannah Belcher at Lily’s house Right: Hannah Belcher and Shelley Kyne who played Hannah at the Time Bascule screening at Tower Bridge’s Victorian Engine Rooms

“When I was writing Time Bascule, I worked from a tiny studio in the abutment of Tower Bridge where Hannah Griggs once lived. I felt connected to Hannah as I sketched and wrote, peering across the bridge through a tiny window as the tides and visitors ebbed and flowed. During this time we experienced one of the hottest summer days on record, followed by bursts of torrential rain. I started to imagine a musical conversation between the river, the plants, and Hannah Griggs” says Mainstone.

Tower Bridge Studio View — View from Mainstone’s tiny studio in the South abutment on Tower Bridge where she would sketch and write

Time Bascule Di Mainstone — Time Bascule sketches by Di Mainstone featuring from left to right: Hannah Griggs playing the bridge, The Furnace Twins, Hannah Singing to Mother Nature

While Mainstone was filming on Tower Bridge Extinction Rebellion performed a bike swarm, singing as they rode by – “The people gonna rise like the water, we’re gonna face this crisis now, I hear the voice of my great-granddaughter, singing climate justice now…”

“At that moment, I remember feeling a shiver of excitement as I saw the beautiful connection between Hannah Griggs’ passion for nature and her great granddaughter’s concern for the environment,” Mainstone explains. A few weeks later Extinction Rebellion created the extraordinary ‘floating house’ artwork that inspired us to visualise Hannah Griggs’ house gliding across the Thames.”

Understandably, Time Bascule has been picking up awards in recent months. Best Experimental Film at Montreal Independent Film Festival, Best Experimental Film at the Athens International Monthly Art Film Festival; Outstanding Achievement Fantasy Short, Experimental Short and Female Director at the Los Angeles based IndieX Film Fest. The film is accompanied with music by sonic surrealists Architects of Rosslyn, vocal arrangements by acclaimed ‘intercultural goddess’, WITCiH founder and rock sitarist Bishi Bhattacharya and ‘electronic pop/folk artist’ IORA, and a bewitching harp composition by London based harpist Olivia Jageurs.

The Design Exchange team was honoured to work on the filming and production of ‘Time Bascule’, and we are excited to announce that once local restrictions allow we will be screening Mainstone’s thought-provoking work in London and other locations throughout 2021.

Playable City Sandbox _ Squeeze Me ©Air Giants

Animation, Augmented Reality, Cities, City, Culture, Society

Unlock the City: Playable City Week Brings Interactive Art to Bristol

Watershed and My World unveil six creative public art installations in Bristol, inviting people to play and engage with the city in new and exciting ways. These installations, part of Playable City Week from 3rd to 9th July, aim to animate the city, spark imagination, and ignite crucial conversations around inclusion, surveillance, climate change, and the kind of cities we want to live in.

The diverse range of installations will be located in various iconic spots across Bristol, offering unique experiences to participants. Brandon Hill Park will host gigantic inflatable robots, encouraging people to hug and engage with them. Lakota Nightclub will come alive with an interdimensional group of rebellious fireflies bursting out of a mural, inviting visitors to join their party. M Shed will challenge passers-by with a street-based game that aims to avoid detection by an AI-powered camera, highlighting issues of surveillance and inclusion.

Queen Square will witness urban trees transformed into stunning living sculptures that respond to the movements of individuals, creating an immersive experience. Trinity Community Garden will offer a calm oasis where visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of traditional Somali weaving and songs, connecting with Somali culture and reflecting on collective climate anxieties. Lastly, Watershed itself will feature a magical interactive pavement that transforms urban spaces through light, sound, and play, encouraging visitors to engage in playful activities.

Playable City Sandbox _ House of Weaving Songs. ©dhaqan collective.

These installations have been developed by six teams who received £45,000 each from My World to create urban prototypes that prioritize connection, community, and play. As part of the Playable City Sandbox program, produced by Watershed, these installations bridge the realms of art, technology, and culture, offering innovative ways to reimagine cities and engage with their inhabitants.

Playable City has been a transformative movement since its inception in Bristol in 2012, reaching millions worldwide. Previous projects have included texting secrets to postboxes and dancing with one’s own shadow under lampposts. These new prototypes continue the Playable City journey, utilizing technology to repurpose city infrastructure and encourage dialogue between local communities and their surroundings.

The collaboration between Watershed and My World has provided a supportive environment for these creative teams to learn, build, and test their prototypes. With the guidance of industry advisors and collaboration among the teams themselves, this process has been challenging, playful, and exciting, culminating in the final projects that the public can now experience and enjoy.

These installations not only enhance the cultural fabric of Bristol but also foster a sense of playfulness, engagement, and reflection, transforming the way people interact with and perceive their city.

The six Playable City Sandbox commissions are:

HOW (NOT) TO GET HIT BY A SELF-DRIVING CAR

Where: M Shed

When: 3 – 7 July, 12 – 6pm

A street-based game that challenges anyone to avoid being detected as a pedestrian in the eye of an AI. With advanced image recognition systems becoming increasingly prevalent through surveillance cameras and self-driving cars, the cities we live in are starting to see us back. By exploring how these systems observe us, and where their blind spots lie, the game aims to foster dialogue about the potential issues they may present whilst contributing to a more inclusive future of AI.

Creators:Tomo Kihara & Playfool

SQUEEZE ME

Where: Brandon Hill Park

When: 4 – 6 July, 4 – 10pm; 7 – 8 July, 2 -10pm; 9 July, 2 – 6pm

Gigantic, inflatable and illuminated creatures will be wrapped around trees inviting passers-by to play by hugging, squeezing or poking them. Using pioneering soft robotic technology, the creatures will respond with shape-change, light and sound and influence the behaviour of other creatures nearby.

Creators: Air Giants

FIREFLIES, A GLITCH featuring ARCANE & SCREAMING COLOR

Where: Lakota Nightclub

When: 5-7 July, 2-6pm

An invitation to join Firefly Odyssey, a tour company specialising in the observation of inter-dimensional wildlife. Scan a QR code on your smartphone to experience the Moon Street mural (outside the legendary Lakota Nightclub) burst into life, becoming a portal to another dimension where a rebellious group of hard partying fireflies are on a mission to escape repression in their own land. A jungle-infused augmented reality show set to local artist Arcane’s track Curse of the Pharaohs (Rua Sound) and featuring awe-inspiring light show by award-winning virtual world builder Screaming Color. For the best experience bring headphones. No app required.

Creators: GlitchAR, Arcane& Screaming Color

HOUSE OF WEAVING SONGS

Where: Trinity Community Garden

When: 7-8 July, 12-6pm; 9 July, 12-4pm

dhaqan collective, invites guests to step inside the House of Weaving Songs, a domed steel structure inspired by the Aqal, a nomadic Somali home. Once inside, become enveloped by a series of beautiful woven tapestries that when touched ignite a sonic patchwork of stories and sounds of Somali women’s traditional weaving songs. Offering the space as a sanctuary to reflect on the significance of Somali culture and our collective climate anxieties, dhaqan collective will also invite visitors to add their own voice, connecting the city to endangered ancestral cultural practices.

Creators: dhaqan collective

STREET PIXEL

Where: Watershed

When: 6 – 7 July, 10am – 4pm

A magical interactive pavement that transforms urban spaces through light, sound and play. By simply stepping or rolling onto the Street Pixels, visitors will activate colourful lights and sound allowing them to play favourite childhood games like hopscotch or whack-a-mole, make music with street piano, or simply sit back and watch as the pavement becomes animated with joyful light and colour.

Creators: Biome Collective

ZOOMSCAPE ZOETROPE

Where: Queen Square

When: 5 – 6 July, 9pm – 11pm

In a work that asks us to consider our relationship with the natural world, night-time visitors will be invited to transform the trees in an urban square into living sculptures using only their own movements and light, seeming to enable these ‘lungs of the city’ to ‘breathe.’

Creators: Jack Wates & Thomas Blackburn

Act Now, Architecture, Bridges, Change, Climate, Climate Emergency, Culture, Design, Future, Materials, News, Sustainability, Wellness

Moxon Architects and Engineers IB-Miebach complete a Timber Bridge for German town

Moxon Architects has completed a pedestrian and cycle bridge for the town of Balingen in southern Germany, a design collaboration with timber bridge engineering specialist Ingenieurbüro Miebach. Balingen Footbridge embodies the town’s ambitious dual commitment to design excellence and a sustainable future while offering a sympathetic response to the natural river setting. Unveiled ahead of the 2023 Baden-Würtemberg Garden Show, the bridge will form a focal showpiece of a 14-hectare regeneration for the event.

As well as linking event venues, the new bridge strengthens Balingen’s network of foot and cycle paths and will serve as a catalyst for further responsible regeneration of the River Eyach, a revived amenity that runs through the town. The footbridge also sets an important exemplar in the creation of sustainable infrastructure, through timber construction, in place of steel and concrete.

The innovative, sustainable, and low-maintenance bridge features a pair of structural timber beams spanning 40 metres over the river at an oblique angle, cradling pedestrians and cyclists upon a 3.0m wide fibre reinforced plastic deck. At both ends of the bridge, the structure widens to 5.0m, allowing comfortable access. The two subtly angled and tapered beams are designed to flare outwards in plan as they approach either riverbank, embracing the town’s network of footpaths and cycle tracks. The beams extend above the level of the deck to form the bridge’s parapet sides – a necessity allowing the bridge to clear future predicted flood levels while enabling fully accessible gradients at either approach. The visible, outward leaning outer faces of the shaped glulam beams will weather naturally over time. The inner, pedestrian facing surfaces are clad in native timber slats with integrated lighting and handrails.

Ingenieurbüro Miebach and Moxon won the project in an invited competition in 2019, and the timber bridge adds to both practices rich bridge portfolios; Moxon’s includes a pair of bridges over the Regents Canal for the King’s Cross regeneration in London, a pedestrian swing bridge at Greenwich Reach in London and the recently completed meandering footbridge along the Thames Path beneath the existing Barnes Bridge at Chiswick, UK.

“Balingen Footbridge demonstrates not just the aesthetic and structural potential of timber in place of steel in bridge-building, but the carbon that can be sequestered. Through offsetting the concrete going into the abutments, timber allows you to create a more sustainable piece of infrastructure, that, with the correct maintenance, can last as long as any steel structure.
Ezra Groskin, director at Moxon Architects

Working with a world-leading engineer fully committed to timber structures, and a town that prioritises the delivery of sustainable infrastructure, has been an inspiring and informative process. We are excited to bring the experience and knowledge gained through this European collaboration back to the UK, where we are optimistic it can inform our approach to designing both bridges and buildings.’ 

Frank Miebach, director at Ingenieurbüro Miebach added: “The big challenge in this project was working within the structural limitations that such a pared-back, elegant aesthetic can impose. Thanks to the excellent exchange with the architects, we were able to give the simple structural form of a trough bridge a unique typology. We were able to implement our premise for good structural wood protection in an appealing way through the inclined girders. This shows that together we can interpret wood in a contemporary way for bridges, and hope to herald a paradigm shift.