Build Magazine December 2015

Build Magazine 44 rt and architecture have always been intrinsically linked. Art has often reflect- ed the changing landscape of cities and urban spaces, with classical and modern pieces of architecture regularly deemed ‘works of art’ in their own right. With ever increasing demands for housing in the capital, the compe- tition to get noticed and offer residents different, engaging and attractive homes is fierce. Standing out from the crowd are the developments that offer an environment that not only provides the comforts of efficient modern design but reflects cultural and historical links to the immediate area. Housing developer Peabody has recently launched two central London developments that have incorporated high quality contemporary living space with exciting and engaging artwork, unique to each development. Both, More West in W10 and St John’s Way in SW11 are perfect examples of a successful balance between aesthetics, culture, history and practicality. These two schemes have both utilised the local history and heritage of their respective areas in creating art installations that will be on permanent display to residents, locals and passers-by. More West is located in the heart of one of Lon- don’s best arts and culture scenes near Notting Hill and Portobello Road. Contemporary British artist Nathan Coley was chosen from a shortlist of accomplished artists by Peabody and architects Haworth Tompkins to design and install a piece of public art central to the development’s overall look and feel. Originally drawn to the project because of ‘Peabody’s strong history’, Turner Prize nominee Coley formed his final idea, a seven metre high abstract apple tree sculpture gilded with 24 carat gold leaf, after comprehensive research into the local area. The sculpture, situated on the development rooftop, reflects the intriguing history of a small community that lived on the site in the 1970’s. Known as the Free Independent Republic of Frestonia, each member of the local group of residents changed their sur- name to ‘Bramley’ taking inspiration from a local street name Bramley Road. Coley’s research and subsequent unearthing of the Frestonian’s history inspired his ‘Bramley apple’ sculpture that was “….a light bulb moment,” Coley comments. “It was important to choose the artist early on in the design process,” states Andrew Rowson architect at Haworth Tompkins. “It’s always fascinating to see what an artist will create when collaborating on a project and it was Nathan’s approach to the site and to working with Peabody, Haworth Tompkins and the residents that was really exciting. The most interesting aspect however, was how three separate elements were brought together to tell a story about a very interesting, but mainly forgotten history. There was of course the main sculpture displayed on the development but also individual sculptures that were given to residents and the publication of an accompanying book. Brought together they appealed to an audience, both at a city and national level, but also they sought to create a bond with the past and a sense of community for the new residents.” Visible from Latimer Road Underground station, Coley’s apple tree plays an impor- tant new part in the local landscape, its presence echoing the site’s history, brings a sense of pride to the development and a permanent art fixture in the area. Equally inspiring but with a very different approach, St John’s Way situated near Clapham Junction, features installation artwork in its structural brickwork, created by artist Rodney Harris. “The conceptual basis for the sculptural intervention is to commemorate the philanthropy of George Peabody and celebrate the people, past and present living in the area,” comments Harris. He further adds, “I have created a series of four brick relief sculptures, carved in identical material to the surrounding brickwork resembling the presence of memories and histories.” Art In Architecture Installation art in two new London developments inspired by the local community A