Claudia
This innovative sculpture will offer directional wayfinding via a collection of interesting and quirky forms, which have been generated by deconstructing the profile of an elephant into 26 individual elements.
As pedestrians pass the sculpture the abstract visual arrangement of elements will merge together to form the shape of an elephant, giving the pedestrian a playful moment of interaction.
Creating a talking point for the town
A beacon of contemporary culture
Located on Cowdray Avenue’s Albert roundabout, the proposal is inspired by Roman standards, which are long poles with badges or flags on, and were symbols of Roman honour.
Inspired by Roman standards
Celebrating a rich heritage which is specific to Colchester
A parade of elephants walking through the town in the 1940’s
The wayfinding sculpture works at varying scales and will be perceived differently depending on the relative position of the viewer. A pedestrian’s view of an elephant builds upon the motif for the Fixing the Link project that was inspired by tales of Emperor Claudius’s dramatic arrival into Colchester with a herd of elephants to celebrate the victory of the Roman invasion in 43 AD.
360 degree animation
‘Fixing The Link’ is an ambitious two-phased project being funded and delivered by Colchester Borough Council, Essex County Council and Greater Anglia to create a positive and impactful first impression of Colchester to rail users. It is designed to encourage rail passengers, alongside local residents and shoppers, to enjoy an improved walking route along North Station Road, Middleborough into the town centre via North Hill.
Creating an abstract visual arrangement
Creating an abstract visual arrangement
Creating an abstract visual arrangement
Creating an abstract visual arrangement
Creating an abstract visual arrangement
Creating an abstract visual arrangement
Creating an abstract visual arrangement
Creating an abstract visual arrangement
Creating an abstract visual arrangement
“Our brief was to put forward a striking wayfinding sculpture to make the walking route easier to navigate. We believe the proposal will not only create a positive talking point for the town and provide a point of interest on the route to the town centre, but it will also add to Colchester’s spirit of contemporary culture.”
Jonathan Dallas
Dallas-Pierce-Quintero
Deconstructing the profile of an elephant into 26 individual elements
The project is the first of its kind to be implemented in the east of England after research by Dutch Railways Nederlandse Spoorwegen, highlighted the benefits to Colchester’s economy from improving its wayfinding and environment along the walking route. The proposal builds upon the wayfinding principles established by the Fixing the Link project which was completed in 2016.
“In ‘Fixing The Link’ between Colchester Railway Station and the Town Centre we can make it easier for people to find their way from the station and enjoy a more welcoming, interesting and attractive route, which is less than one mile. This exciting proposal not only showcases exceptional design talent, but it creates a new cultural landmark for what is an important gateway to our Town.”
Colchester Borough Council
1:50 scale model
1:50 scale model
1:50 scale model
The cruciform elements consist of 208 individual faces, with those profiles that make up the image of the elephant. The poles and profiles will be finished in four complimentary paints, creating an abstract and playful visual arrangement which, depending on the vantage point, is continuously changing its appearance.
Each pole will be fixed down to a below ground metal frame via a mechanical connection detail, offering a quick installation method whilst maintaining the integrity of the artwork. A carefully designed lighting and landscaping scheme will bring the piece to life, and become a beacon at night.
Planning permission for the sculpture has now been granted, and work will begin on its installation in summer 2019.