Interlocking, Network Rail National Centre

Client: Network Rail

Landscape scheme design with Capita Lovejoy and David Patten 2009. Detailed design and implementation with Quartet Design and GMW architects 2010-11

[2009-11]

Working as an artist through the design process and in collaboration, I worked with interconnecting ideas of location, distance, connection, direction and time, always mindfully infused with the identity of Milton Keynes, Derek Walker’s vision, and the sensibilities of the new development.

A network of paved threads (emanating from Network Rail stations) arrive, depart and converge at this central location. Seating and planting structures are programmed to the threads, overlapping in sequences with varying distances. A simple relationship of an angle of superelevation used in rail engineering and an embanked cut, was applied to a cube to create a whole dictionary of dynamic forms, taking influence from Siah Armajani’s ‘Dictionary for Building’ and Scott Burton’s functional sculpture. The cube was also cut vertically to the same angle of the new architecture.

Structures are lit on one side, illuminating their forms and to give a sense of direction and movement to and from the building. The embedded threads pulse every quarter hour as a way of the landscape itself keeping 'external time' for all users of the plaza.

In contrast the notion of ‘internal time’ became important. Twenty vignettes were placed in the threads to intrigue the site user to wait, stop, relax and ponder the notions of distance and time in relation to the trees and parks of Milton Keynes. Their intention is that they don't give up their secrets instantly, rather they reveal their meanings over repeated or daily visits.