As the installation of Artwork at the chalk pit comes to an end the Archipelago receds beneath the water, to resurface in at the Vernal Equinox 2010.
Wednesday, 25 November 2009
underwater archipelago
As the installation of Artwork at the chalk pit comes to an end the Archipelago receds beneath the water, to resurface in at the Vernal Equinox 2010.
Monday, 16 November 2009
Friday, 6 November 2009
Evolving interpretation
In front of the chalk face a series of signs stretch across the entire site, warning ‘DANGER – FALLING ROCKS – KEEP AWAY. Six out of ten have been removed or defaced and the remaining four have all been used for target practice with stones. Although the signs have come under sustained attack they are quite resilient and resist rough treatment well.
The Evolving Interpretation Concept uses the existing signs to reveal the history and ecology of the site, replacing those that have been damaged with newly painted signs that illustrate a particular aspect of the Chalk Pit.
The new signs would know doubt receive the same treatment as the current ones, being defaced and removed. When one of the new signs becomes damaged or defaced beyond repair it would be replaced by another sign that illustrates a different aspect of the sites history or ecology.
It would be my intention to make the initial signs and do a workshop with local residents so that they had the necessary skills to take over as artists and guardians of the signs in the long term.
Helping young people gain a broader understanding of the Chalk Pit was considered important to all of the older generation that I spoke to and was popular with the 8-14 year old as well. Although I think there should always be 3 or 4 signs that warn of danger the Evolving Interpretation will provide an opportunity to learn about the site and not just be fearful of it.
The Evolving Interpretation Concept uses the existing signs to reveal the history and ecology of the site, replacing those that have been damaged with newly painted signs that illustrate a particular aspect of the Chalk Pit.
The new signs would know doubt receive the same treatment as the current ones, being defaced and removed. When one of the new signs becomes damaged or defaced beyond repair it would be replaced by another sign that illustrates a different aspect of the sites history or ecology.
It would be my intention to make the initial signs and do a workshop with local residents so that they had the necessary skills to take over as artists and guardians of the signs in the long term.
Helping young people gain a broader understanding of the Chalk Pit was considered important to all of the older generation that I spoke to and was popular with the 8-14 year old as well. Although I think there should always be 3 or 4 signs that warn of danger the Evolving Interpretation will provide an opportunity to learn about the site and not just be fearful of it.
A place to rest
It was made clear through my conversations with families that somewhere to sit whilst the younger children played was an important factor in how long they would spend at the Chalk Pit. Seating was also suggested by many of the older residents.
The simple bench designs illustrated here would work well in this setting, they would be attractive for adults to sit on and younger children to jump walk and play on.
The placement of the two benches at the west end of the site would be near the newt pond, with the existing mound in between. (Encouraging the children to play with out being seen but still within close proximity to accompanying adults) The placement is also well situated because of the 2 converging paths and the views into the harbour.
The solitary bench at the East end of the site would be in close proximity to the trees and bushes, popular for playing man-hunt, and would be a welcome resting point for elderly dog walkers.
It would be situated in the open space to make it less attractive for anyone engaged in anti-social behaviour.
The simple bench designs illustrated here would work well in this setting, they would be attractive for adults to sit on and younger children to jump walk and play on.
The placement of the two benches at the west end of the site would be near the newt pond, with the existing mound in between. (Encouraging the children to play with out being seen but still within close proximity to accompanying adults) The placement is also well situated because of the 2 converging paths and the views into the harbour.
The solitary bench at the East end of the site would be in close proximity to the trees and bushes, popular for playing man-hunt, and would be a welcome resting point for elderly dog walkers.
It would be situated in the open space to make it less attractive for anyone engaged in anti-social behaviour.
Newt Pond Archipelago
The popularity of the Newt Pond in its current form is evident through the basic architectural interventions made by young people, using rocks, old tyres and pallets to bridge the water. These temporary structures are used predominantly to gain better access to the resident Newts. Although the constructions demonstrate creativity and ingenuity there is a danger that through the removal of newts this area will become unsustainable as a habitat.
The Newt Pond Archipelago will encourage play and exploration of the pond whilst also providing a safe haven under the structure for some of the Newts.
is design is an attempt to follow the form of the initial jetty designs, but increase the play value. Instead of one continual jetty the new design is based on a series of islands (or large stepping stones) that are constructed from the stone on site. This is a semi-permanent structure that will over time erode back into its original from, but can easily be re-built. By introducing a series of islands there is much more play value in the structure itself and the materials will seem more in harmony with the surroundings.
Because of the construction techniques and use of materials the site would not become dangerous when, through the passage of time or vandalism, the islands fall back into the pond. There would be no single structure, so the removal of a number of stones would have very little impact on the archipelago as a whole.
The Newt Pond Archipelago will encourage play and exploration of the pond whilst also providing a safe haven under the structure for some of the Newts.
is design is an attempt to follow the form of the initial jetty designs, but increase the play value. Instead of one continual jetty the new design is based on a series of islands (or large stepping stones) that are constructed from the stone on site. This is a semi-permanent structure that will over time erode back into its original from, but can easily be re-built. By introducing a series of islands there is much more play value in the structure itself and the materials will seem more in harmony with the surroundings.
Because of the construction techniques and use of materials the site would not become dangerous when, through the passage of time or vandalism, the islands fall back into the pond. There would be no single structure, so the removal of a number of stones would have very little impact on the archipelago as a whole.
design methodology
Taking my lead from the contact I have had with the different groups that use the Chalk Pit, and the formal aspects of the site, I have developed a number of sketch designs that respond to the special nature of this place and the way it is used by local residents.
The Chalk Pit is full of ‘natural play’ opportunities in its current form and my proposals aim to encourage further Exploration, Play and Discovery across the whole site through revealing some of the hidden aspects of Chalk Pit and building stronger links between human activity,wildlife habitats and historical/cultural sites.
There is a concern about the vulnerability of any work that is made for this site due to a small group(s) of young people that engage in anti-social behaviour (which I have experienced first hand). It is my feeling that it is impossible to eradicate all anti-social behaviour but certain measures can be taken to minimise the problem. One approach I will adopt is to create designs that encourage families to use the site. Making the space more appealing for families will make it less appealing to groups that want to participate in anti-social behaviour. The other aspect is to encourage young people to be involved in the production of artwork, increasing ownership and pride in their local environment.
The Chalk Pit is full of ‘natural play’ opportunities in its current form and my proposals aim to encourage further Exploration, Play and Discovery across the whole site through revealing some of the hidden aspects of Chalk Pit and building stronger links between human activity,wildlife habitats and historical/cultural sites.
There is a concern about the vulnerability of any work that is made for this site due to a small group(s) of young people that engage in anti-social behaviour (which I have experienced first hand). It is my feeling that it is impossible to eradicate all anti-social behaviour but certain measures can be taken to minimise the problem. One approach I will adopt is to create designs that encourage families to use the site. Making the space more appealing for families will make it less appealing to groups that want to participate in anti-social behaviour. The other aspect is to encourage young people to be involved in the production of artwork, increasing ownership and pride in their local environment.
Chalk Pit Community
Over the three days I was at the Chalk Pit (14-16 August 2009) I spoke to 44 people.
(6-14 years – 28)
(15-21 years – 0)
(22-59 years – 5)
(60+ years – 11)
I spoke to about half of the total number of people more than once with some residents stopping
by on up to six separate occasions.
My approach included learning about the site through listening to the residents, observing how the site was currently being used and questioning how more of a focus on play could improve the site. The majority of the responses are recorded on the map/drawing, and a description of each day can be foundon page 13 and 14.
There were four easily identifiable groups using the Chalk pit;
The dog walkers
Generally 40 years+. Usually on they’re own but stopping to chat with other dog walkers. Predominantly using the east end of the site but with lots going into both areas. From those that I spoke to the main interest was the nature and ecology of the site, in particular the peregrine falcons. The history of the site and the tunnels were also a specific talking point. There was a feeling that the football pitch wasn’t needed and more should be made of the nature.
The players
Between 8-14 years. Invariably in groups (of up to 8) they would use the west end of the site to play in the newt pond and cycle their bikes, and the east end of the site to play ‘man hunt’ in the bushes and trees and climb into the tunnels in the chalk face. The knowledge of the ecology of the site was limited, although a few had picked up on the presence of the Peregrine falcons, and the local newt population was a constant source of interest.
The families
All ages and using the whole site. The children use the site in the same way as ‘the players’ although with nowhere for the adults to sit the temptation was to move faster around the site rather than stay in one place. The west end of the site is popular for the nature, the hills for running and cycling and the newt pond. The east of the site is used for the caves but the idea of the football pitch was not popular. Suggestions to improve this space were picnic areas, seating, and fixed play (country park style). The feeling was that if more families could be encouraged the place would become less attractive for vandals.
The blackberry pickers
All ages and using predominantly the east end of the site. Although I didn’t speak to many of the illusive blackberry pickers (of which there were over 20 during my stay), I could see this was a very important seasonal aspect of the site, and the blackberries were huge. (I have been shown the best blackberry bush in the Chalk Pit, the apple trees and solitary pear tree and sworn to secrecy) Chalk Pit Crumble ummm.
Design methodology based on community workshops/consultation
(6-14 years – 28)
(15-21 years – 0)
(22-59 years – 5)
(60+ years – 11)
I spoke to about half of the total number of people more than once with some residents stopping
by on up to six separate occasions.
My approach included learning about the site through listening to the residents, observing how the site was currently being used and questioning how more of a focus on play could improve the site. The majority of the responses are recorded on the map/drawing, and a description of each day can be foundon page 13 and 14.
There were four easily identifiable groups using the Chalk pit;
The dog walkers
Generally 40 years+. Usually on they’re own but stopping to chat with other dog walkers. Predominantly using the east end of the site but with lots going into both areas. From those that I spoke to the main interest was the nature and ecology of the site, in particular the peregrine falcons. The history of the site and the tunnels were also a specific talking point. There was a feeling that the football pitch wasn’t needed and more should be made of the nature.
The players
Between 8-14 years. Invariably in groups (of up to 8) they would use the west end of the site to play in the newt pond and cycle their bikes, and the east end of the site to play ‘man hunt’ in the bushes and trees and climb into the tunnels in the chalk face. The knowledge of the ecology of the site was limited, although a few had picked up on the presence of the Peregrine falcons, and the local newt population was a constant source of interest.
The families
All ages and using the whole site. The children use the site in the same way as ‘the players’ although with nowhere for the adults to sit the temptation was to move faster around the site rather than stay in one place. The west end of the site is popular for the nature, the hills for running and cycling and the newt pond. The east of the site is used for the caves but the idea of the football pitch was not popular. Suggestions to improve this space were picnic areas, seating, and fixed play (country park style). The feeling was that if more families could be encouraged the place would become less attractive for vandals.
The blackberry pickers
All ages and using predominantly the east end of the site. Although I didn’t speak to many of the illusive blackberry pickers (of which there were over 20 during my stay), I could see this was a very important seasonal aspect of the site, and the blackberries were huge. (I have been shown the best blackberry bush in the Chalk Pit, the apple trees and solitary pear tree and sworn to secrecy) Chalk Pit Crumble ummm.
Design methodology based on community workshops/consultation
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
