GREEN & BLUE INFRASTRUCTURE
something that could be repaired should any damage, accidental or deliberate, occur. Ultimately, there was only one solution to make our vision possible and that was classleading, tough, translucent HIMACS.”
To span the extensive wall that frames the new underpass, ramp and steps, 54 sheets of HIMACS and the‘ lightbox’ frame were fabricated and fitted by façade specialists AGS System Ltd, with lighting supplied by Earlsmann and programmed by Lee Savage.
“ The design demanded the HIMACS panels to be milled to precise dimensions,” adds Stuart,“ So they could be put together like a giant puzzle that follows the aluminium lines at the front.” It was also essential that the panels could be removed for access to the electronics, while having expansion gaps between them.
Kev Munday, described by The Daily Mail as“ the new Banksy”, is delighted with the result, and seeing his artwork come alive at such scale and luminosity. The collaboration with the schoolchildren resulted in a series of charming drawings which could then be adapted to his signature style. The black stencil lines needed to be drawn in such a way that every line and curve touches another, so that the“ puzzle pieces” of the HIMACS elements could be fitted neatly into each aperture of the interconnected frame.
The Lighting programme also allows for animated effects, from the eyes of the characters often giving a cheeky wink here and there, to full scale colour changes and movements in which special effects such as fireworks or wording can move across the mural. In fact, Stuart even managed to surprise and delight his wife by having the mural declare a“ Happy Valentine’ s Day” when he gave her a sneak preview of the work!
Stuart Melrose bio: Multifaceted design studio Stuart Melrose has worked with major global brands and won several awards, while gaining a large following on social media and the attention of the international design press. Stuart Melrose has been commissioned for special pieces at exhibitions such Grand Designs Live, The Ideal Home of the Future, the Chelsea Flower show and George Clark’ s Amazing Spaces.
He has worked with architects Zaha Hadid and Foster + Partners plus clients such as Disney, Microsoft, BAA, The Discovery Chanel, Reading Borough Council, Hampshire County council, and many others. He has designed and produced items from
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