IF-DO and Lakwena Design the Brent Cross Town Development
Amy Duong — January 19, 2023 — Art & Design
UK-based architecture studio IF-DO works in collaboration with artist Lakwena to design the new Brent Cross Town electrical substation in the city. It is detailed with artwork that is surrounded by rotating billboards and is to become a landmark for North London. The new space is meant to represent a place of community and honor the spirit of the residence through playful and colorful themes.
Lakwena speaks about the new project to Dezzen, stating that "Historically my work tends to be fairly two-dimensional, so what was really interesting for me in this space was to be creating an artwork that would be seen from so many different angles and at so many different speed. This became a really important aspect of the concept for us – that it should be able to be 'read' from so many angles and directions. Another consideration was wanting to intervene into what is a very grey and concrete space, and make something that disrupted that, but also in a way also worked with the existing very industrial aesthetic."
Image Credit: IF-DO
Lakwena speaks about the new project to Dezzen, stating that "Historically my work tends to be fairly two-dimensional, so what was really interesting for me in this space was to be creating an artwork that would be seen from so many different angles and at so many different speed. This became a really important aspect of the concept for us – that it should be able to be 'read' from so many angles and directions. Another consideration was wanting to intervene into what is a very grey and concrete space, and make something that disrupted that, but also in a way also worked with the existing very industrial aesthetic."
Image Credit: IF-DO
Trend Themes
1. Community-inspired Substation Design - Businesses can explore collaboration opportunities between architecture studios and artists to design infrastructure in a more aesthetically pleasing way that reflects the community it serves.
2. Art-integrated Infrastructure - Companies can explore the integration of art into infrastructure to enhance its visual appeal while also contributing to the community's cultural enrichment.
3. Industrial Aesthetics Disruption - Companies can explore the use of disruptive and playful aesthetics to create landmarks for communities that are usually associated with grey and monotone constructions in infrastructure development.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture and Design - The architecture and design industry can leverage the use of art to enhance infrastructure designs and create landmarks that embody the spirit of the community.
2. Urban Development - Urban developers can explore the integration of art and playfulness in substation designs to enrich the culture and improve the quality of life for people living and working in urban areas.
3. Advertising and Marketing - Companies in the advertising and marketing industries can collaborate with infrastructure developers to utilize rotating billboards and art to provide opportunities for outdoor advertising while improving the visual appeal of urban areas and also contribute to cultural enrichment.
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