Snow Hill Canal Wall Concept Proposal

Client: Midland Heart Concept Proposal:'Unlock' Shortlisted as one of four, this proposal 'Unlock' was presented 28th June 2010. My aim in this proposal was to focus on the nature of 'Change; as this is one of the main characteristics of the Client was keen to reflect in the work. My inspirations were driven from the idea that change requires an 'unlocking' and also results in an effect on 'direction'. On visiting the site I observed the main site features as water and a series of canal locks. As the Client's brief also called for a large element of social engagement with the residents of the accommodation and local uses of the canal paths, the water and myriad waves became for me a key metaphor which could be used to involve many people within the project. The greatest visual effects of 'change' become apparent in light reflecting on water, a picture broken into many parts and textures. The images created by the participants to the project would become the 'Lights on waves'. I was intrigued by the locks on the canal, how such heavy items as canal boats can be lifted and assisted to travel upstream against gravity. Hence the metaphor of 'UnLock' became more appealing, unlocking of dreams of potential, of change against odds. Architecturally, I was also interested in linking the imagery on the canal wall to the the front façade so one is aware that the front and side relate to one building. To this end I looked at inserting thin enamel pieces in the stonework grooves on the front of the building and following these forms up and around to the canal wall side, gradually increasing in size, depth and articulation and becoming wave forms- a tributary leading to greater breadths and energy. These forms on the canal wall, also in vitreous enamel panels, become a manifestation of the wave-like canopy of the new tensile fabric roof over the building's atrium space. As the project brief was to replace a giant mural on the canal wall, I did not want to use very large graphics over the canal wall as this tends to destroy architectural elevations designs and becomes very dated. My aim was to create smaller, sparkles of colour and light with the qualities of jewellery, a connection with the 'Jewellery Quarter' directional sign on the canal path. Some element of graphic work was retained for use nearer the cal level where viewing distances were better negotiated. Lastly, as with my ongoing fascination, I looked at ways to incorporate shadow work and negative-positive duality in this piece hence the word UNLOCK, reflected vertically, written in metal and projected as a shadow onto the canal path. Lighting would thus be used to dramatise this narrative behind the work.