Our Space Project
Our Space is an ambitious public art project involving the whole community in and around Willingdon Community School, East Sussex, with the creation of a new sculpture situated in the school grounds. Measurements of height and arm span were collected from individuals and formed the foundations for the development process. Several solutions were presented at an exhibition last October where feedback was gathered, as a result of which the Our Space Pavilion was agreed.
“The idea of making a structure one could enter into, and be surrounded by, was a response to the need for a large artwork that would transform the empty courtyard, energising it. The Our Space Pavilion is a space to be occupied, providing a quiet space for contemplation yet with the potential to encourage and house busy community events.” Will Nash.
The pavilion consists of three distinct, balanced elements. Fifteen spun-steel red dishes overlap to form a canopy, sheltering the space from the weather and reflecting sound from below back downward. Thirty galvanised steel posts form a vertical matrix supporting the dishes and delineating the boundary between the inside and outside of the piece. The curved gabion base grounds the structure, providing a seat inside and around the pavilion. The gabions are formed from wire mesh filled with a mixture of granite and earth, planted with thyme. The work was developed with advice from structural engineer Tom Bedford of BEP Consulting Engineers Ltd and help from S&G Construction Ltd.
Will Nash was commissioned by Willingdon Community School to permanently transform a disused courtyard through wide consultation and engagement with the local community. As a designated arts school the building functions on many different levels for a diverse mix of people, on evenings and weekends as well as during the usual school day. The site was identified by a group of students, facilitated by artists and architects and was chosen for its accessibility yet lack of defined function. A space for quiet contemplation was requested by nearly everyone involved and so became part of the artist’s brief. Everyone with a past, present or future relationship with the school was invited to take part in a series of workshops, where participants posed like the Long Man of Wilmington, the school logo, in a specially constructed photo booth. The results can be seen in the film ‘Communal Space’ by photographer Anthony Carr.
The project now enters perhaps the most exciting phase where members of the school and community can enjoy, and be inspired by the Our Space Pavilion.
