Unit X // Installing on the Rooftop

Wooden 'skeleton' installed

Most of the assemblage needed to happen when we were installing it directly onto the rooftop. We initially had a problem with the rooftop manager, who said it breached health and safety rules as there were 'too many gaps'. We eventually managed to get around this problem as quite a few spaces would have been covered by the acrylic etchings and other materials. Installation was easier than I imagined as I thought there might be some stability and sizing issues, however it all fitted securely into place with great ease. 

The following day we attached the rest of the components, including my perspex pieces. I was a little worried that they would not be able to stand up alone as they were reasonably heavy, however they attached fine with plenty of screws and hot glue. Finally we painted on our logo onto the border of the piece. This is actually one of favourite details as it finalized not only our piece but the end of the project.

Final

The overall piece reflects the research and response of the Northern Quarter. I even believe that it links back to some of my early drawings, in the sense of escaping the confinements of a rectangle, 'thinking outside of the box'. I like the snippets of architecture which peek through the gaps in the piece. A significant building opposite the board was covered in scaffolding, which I thought detremented the piece at first. However, it shows that the city will never be complete and will continue to regenerate and retouch its architecture. The angular lines match up with existing elements of the skyline, with the organic structures working with the modern build of the existing architecture.

BORDER logo detail

Overall I am happy with the final outcome and am glad to have exhibited it to an audience. The exhibition night was a success and had a full turnout of guests. I think my piece, alongside my piers, inhabited the space well and answered the brief. The rooftop team have decided to keep it up, which I am honored with as it was specifically designed for that space. It is encouraging to receive good feedback from 'clients', helping me to continue on with my practice.

Unit X // The Making/Construction

Flat perspex sample

In terms of making, I spent most of my time on the laser cutter and in the 3D workshop to create my perspex pieces. I made my designs from the architectural drawings in the Northern Quarter. I kept to quite bold, block shapes and lines, inspired by the vorticist style. Once the perspex is heated, I'm able to bend and abstract the shapes into a sculptural form. Most of the acrylic was white or transparent and so needed the colour palette to be carried through. I've added this through spray paint, masking off specific sections to keep the colour blocking consistent throughout.

Plastic acrylic is not exactly a sustainable material or sensitive to the environment, however I was able to gather perspex from scrap boxes and was donated a fair amount too. We had problems removing the original board from the rooftop due to health and safety reasons, and so instead Melissa gathered her materials from skips and scrap wood/metal places. By using these locally sourced materials, we were able to re-purpose something that would have otherwise gone to waste.

Before-Laser cut perspex

After-Bent and spray painted

We took over a few tables in room 106 to begin to build and layer up our piece, and to experiment in terms of composition. Melissa had previously cut up and gathered all the wooden/metal elements, which were eventually assembled and painted. Over time we created all the components that were needed in time for installation onto the rooftop. The process of the last few weeks was very enjoyable as Melissa and myself got on well with both our personal and collaborative inputs.

Potential compositions

Painted and attached together