Charlotte Kidger Public Art
MASS Concrete had the pleasure of working with Charlotte Kidger on this fantastic Permanent Public Art project commissioned by Ginkgo Projects for Zurich Insurance.
The Pre-Cast Concrete units which can be found at Zurich’s new development in Swindon Town Centre, used a unique blend of recycled and waste aggregates to create a collection of Waste-Based Terrazzo’s containing:
- Construction Waste: A composite of brick chippings, ceramics, rubble, and even shells, giving new life to discarded building materials.
- Recycled TV Screens: A pioneering use of electronic waste, transforming it into an aesthetic component.
- China Clay Stent: Repurposing industrial by-products into valuable aggregate.
This specialised blend allowed for the creation of visually rich, robust concrete elements that underscore the project’s environmental message.
Project Winner of Wallpaper ‘Best Element of Surprise’ Award 2023
@wallpapermag
Project Team: @charlottekidger & @ginkgoprojects
Client: @zurich_uk
Main Contractor: @skanskagroup
Photo Credits: @charlottekidger
Samples used
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Whatever the colour of concrete, you can rely on MASS to create it for you.
Artistic Vision and Impact
The ‘Waste-based Terrazzo Family’ sculptures are a testament to Charlotte Kidger’s vision, exploring the hidden beauty in overlooked materials. These playfully brutalist figures are designed to offer an inviting and highly tactile encounter.
Each sculpture is hand-crafted, with its material compilation specifically tailored for this commission, celebrating the chosen recycled elements for their inherent beauty and their long-term potential to be crushed and re-used as aggregate many years from now.
Their human scale ensures a connection with the surrounding environment, providing a vibrant and thought-provoking addition to Swindon Town Centre.
Recognition and Awards
The project’s innovative approach and aesthetic appeal did not go unnoticed, earning it the prestigious Wallpaper* ‘Best Element of Surprise’ Award 2023. MASS Concrete is proud to have contributed to such a significant and impactful public art installation, demonstrating the endless possibilities of sustainable concrete manufacturing.
The commission aimed to create a series of compelling human-scaled sculptures that would inject colour and character into the urban landscape while championing the beauty and potential of recycled materials.
Charlotte Kidger’s practice, known for its hands-on exploration of transforming industrial waste into sculptural forms, aligned perfectly with the vision for Unity Place.
She worked closely with the Zurich Art Panel and Ginkgo Projects to develop the concept, resulting in the strikingly original series titled ‘Waste-based Terrazzo Family’.
MASS Concrete’s Innovation
At the heart of this project were the bespoke Pre-Cast Concrete units manufactured by MASS Concrete. Our expertise was crucial in developing a truly unique material blend: a Waste-Based Terrazzo. This innovative concrete mix incorporated a diverse range of recycled and waste aggregates, showcasing a commitment to sustainability and circular economy principles.
The building has been designed to rank among the top 10% of commercial buildings for sustainability in the UK. It features electric car charging points, a storage and repair centre for bicycles, improved recycling points, energy efficient LED lighting and a beehive on the roof. Its powered completely by renewable electricity. Unity Place also features furniture partly made from recovered ocean plastics and includes bird boxes in surrounding areas to support local wildlife. The building was awarded the ‘BREEAM ‘Excellent’ accreditation.