Blunden Prize 2023
Entry for a public art installation at stonewater’s calverley lane scheme
Housing developer, Stonewater, launched the Blunden Prize 2023. The competition brief was to put forward ideas for an art installation at their Calverley Lane scheme in Horsforth, Leeds. The piece would be installed in a prominent location at the entrance point of the development and would need to consider the location of natural features such as trees, the aesthetics of neighbouring homes and its prominence at the entranceway of the site. Unfortunately we were not shortlisted this time around but congratulations to all of the artists that were. To see our shortlisted entry to the Blunden Prize 2021 please click here.
Herbarium
The site at Calverley Lane was previously the Horsforth Campus of Leeds City College. Horticulture was one of the subjects that the college specialised in. Taking this as inspiration we decided that a community herb garden would be a great way to honour the history of the site whilst also empowering and educating residents and their children.
Herbarium is attractive and impressive but also creates an incredibly functional space that can be used for gardening, socialising or quiet contemplation. The large stylised stainless-steel herbs create an exciting landmark for the community whilst also giving a sense of semi-seclusion – allowing people to enjoy their own space. Having a calm and welcoming herb garden that everyone can use, grow and take from will create a sense of community and encourage residents to make use of the outdoors more frequently.
Using wooden seats and bricks in a variety of earthy tones creates an organic feel that is calming and harmonises with the surrounding trees and greenery of the herbs. The stainless steel reflects the colours of the sky and the surrounding plants.
