Lakeshore, courtesy of Urban Splash. Various artists
Synopsis
Urban Splash is transforming the derelict former Imperial Tobacco UK Headquarters into a new mainly residential development to be called Lake Shore. Imperial House is a futuristic 1974 original design icon and was designed by American architects Skidmore, Owings and Merrill with London based Yorke Rosenberg Mardell and the original Corten structure is Grade II listed.
Description
Sitting over its own lake Lakeshore will offer studio, one and two bedroom apartments. The building sits in 10 acres of green space and numerous great eco features and is being sensitively refurbished by Bristol architects Ferguson Mann.
Urban Splash is committed to the inclusion of artists work and creative practice within the development and the art programme for the development will focus on both permanent physical works, but also on a durational temporary programme which will enhance the human side of the development.
The public art programme being led by Ginkgo Projects is based upon 3 strands, a permanent ecological based work, a durational work / event and a permanent integrated work developed as part of the buildings overall design and landscape.
Strand 1 will tie in with landscape proposals, encouraging wildlife into the site or for the use of communities engaged with sustainable activities such as nature watching, gardening or fishing. The prjoect commenced in 2011 and will be delivered following occupation of the building.
Strand 2 is designed to be an event/durational work and a temporary work, created by an artist responding to the space and the communities based within the development, and Strand 3 will be located within the new build element at Lakeshore (public facing) with a strong integration of artist’s work to the retained, listed structure.
The scheme architect are Acanthus Ferguson Mann with Landscape Design by Camlin Lonsdale.
Ginkgo Projects
Ginkgo Projects is an independent consultancy offering art curation and commissioning services to a wide range of clients.
Our philosophy is driven by a desire to create unique opportunities for artists and designers. We aim to contribute fresh perspectives to built and natural environments that challenge assumptions about the spaces we inhabit.
Our clients include developers, local authorities, landscape and architectural practices and environmental and arts organisations. We create real opportunities for clients and artists to produce innovative work appropriate to the context, whether this is a new building or public space, work that is integrated into a space, stand-alone work or exhibition.
