As a counterpoint to the engineered glass and steel of the City towers , the materials used are natural , tactile , and hand-crafted . The bases are ceramic , a reference to the clay on which the City is built , with the distinctive terracotta color
taken from the Roman bricks and pottery found by archaeologists in the Bishopsgate , Fenchurch St , and Lime St areas . The bases were handproduced by Darwen Terracotta , a specialist in architectural ceramics based in Blackburn .
STREET FURNITURE
The three lower modules form seating , with varying heights to cater to different access needs and individual ergonomics . The timber seat tops have been crafted by Fallen & Felled from repurposed fallen urban trees , sourced from within the confines of Greater London . A wide range of species , including oak , elm , yew , hornbeam , and sycamore , bring a variety of unique grains , colours and texture to each cluster .
The asymmetric nature of the pattern and variation in module heights produces a varied , organic language that avoids the appearance of clear repetition . It can be adapted to a multitude of different site sizes and conditions , allowing for endless reconfiguration , and the careful arrangement of the clusters can either emphasize an orthogonal pattern or generate softer undulating edges . The three taller modules are planters , filled with sculptural and seasonal planting .
Architects : Butler Wiltshire
Photographs : Butler Wiltshire - Ed Butler , Architectural Photography by Simon Kennedy
Manufacturers : Darwen Terracotta , Fallen & Felled
Lead Architects : Ed Butler , Daniel Wiltshire
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