2018

Barton Public Art,

Barton Public Art

Barton Public Art

Competition-winning entry for a public art commission in Barton Park, Oxford.


Background

Barton is an Oxford suburb which used to be one of the most deprived areas of the city but is now being redeveloped with new housing. We responded to an open call for public art proposals with the idea of creating a community centre-cum-potting shed.





Background

Barton is an Oxford suburb which used to be one of the most deprived areas of the city but is now being redeveloped with new housing. We responded to an open call for public art proposals with the idea of creating a community centre-cum-potting shed.





Background

Barton is an Oxford suburb which used to be one of the most deprived areas of the city but is now being redeveloped with new housing. We responded to an open call for public art proposals with the idea of creating a community centre-cum-potting shed.





Forging connections

We successfully argued the case for a broad interpretation of public art that enabled an architectural response that also provided useful amenity space for the community to get involved with gardening and greenery. It was intended to act as a bridge between the new, incoming community and the existing residents: helping to encourage participation in the greening of the community and forging stronger connections between development and the wider landscape, became the public art project.



Forging connections

We successfully argued the case for a broad interpretation of public art that enabled an architectural response that also provided useful amenity space for the community to get involved with gardening and greenery. It was intended to act as a bridge between the new, incoming community and the existing residents: helping to encourage participation in the greening of the community and forging stronger connections between development and the wider landscape, became the public art project.



Forging connections

We successfully argued the case for a broad interpretation of public art that enabled an architectural response that also provided useful amenity space for the community to get involved with gardening and greenery. It was intended to act as a bridge between the new, incoming community and the existing residents: helping to encourage participation in the greening of the community and forging stronger connections between development and the wider landscape, became the public art project.



Project challenges

Despite winning the competition and securing enthusiasm and backing of the local community, the project wasn't realised due to concerns over a perceived lack of parking provision.

We strongly believe that the project was an example of how small projects can punch above their weight in terms of community benefit, however it also highlights the considerable challenges of realising these kinds of buildings within the context of larger masterplans.





Project challenges

Despite winning the competition and securing enthusiasm and backing of the local community, the project wasn't realised due to concerns over a perceived lack of parking provision.

We strongly believe that the project was an example of how small projects can punch above their weight in terms of community benefit, however it also highlights the considerable challenges of realising these kinds of buildings within the context of larger masterplans.





Project challenges

Despite winning the competition and securing enthusiasm and backing of the local community, the project wasn't realised due to concerns over a perceived lack of parking provision.

We strongly believe that the project was an example of how small projects can punch above their weight in terms of community benefit, however it also highlights the considerable challenges of realising these kinds of buildings within the context of larger masterplans.





140.

Barton Public Art

Year:

2018

Location: Oxfordshire

, UK

Category:

Public

, Arts

Competition win 2018; Project 2018-19

Team: Oliver Cooke, Francis Fawcett; Mark Gavigan
Client: Grosvenor

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