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Barbican PlyForms

 

The Barbican PlyForms collection contains eight ply reliefs made up of two mini collections.  



The first collection is called ‘Scenes’, focusing on key elements of recognisable Barbican structures.



The second collection is called ‘Focus’. This collection is a closer look at the striking features highlighted in the ‘Scenes’ collection, zooming in on characteristics unique to Barbican structures. ‘Focus’ is slightly more abstract with the Barbican reference less obvious.



You can buy the PlyForms singularly or as a set of four.



The areas the ply reliefs depict are:

 

‘Tower’ is a view of the Shakespeare tower, rising up from behind Forbisher Crescent. The tower’s design stands out with its structural concrete grid profile, which up turns skyward to become balconies.

‘Entrance’ is a depiction of the original entrance to the Barbican Centre. The piece highlights its unique sugar cube shaped canopy and cast concrete waffle detailing underneath.

‘Columns’ is a complex piece, picking apart the buildings structure underneath the London School of girls. The depth of the piece allows you to glimpses beyond columns to further columns, steps and pedestrian sky walkways.

'Lake’ portrays the sunken gardens of the Barbican lake, made of concentric circles linked with a path. The area is a private space for residents to sit low amongst the water.




The Barbican

I’m a huge fan of the Barbican. I remember first visiting it when I was a child, shortly after it was completed and since moving to London it’s become my favourite hang-out. I love that the Barbican is a place for people to congregate. A place for people of all ages and backgrounds, from all walks of life. Couples having dance lessons in the foyer basement, teenagers trying out tricks/stunts to toddlers enjoying the car free walkways and the endless nooks to explore.

 

One of my favourite places is the Barbican. When I admire the architecture of the Barbican I’m always taken aback by its visual complexity. Every view has a void or an open space allowing you to catch a glimpse of the buildings behind, so your eyes are constantly stimulated with the light and varying shapes of its diverse architecture. I wanted to create something that helped illustrate its many layers and depths, whilst also emulating the peace and calmness I feel from visiting it.

I find the architecture of the Barbican captivating, there are so many unique styles all intertwined by some key features. I love that wherever you are, you have a vista. There is always a gap between buildings that gives you glimpses of something slightly architecturally different.

 

I also love how these voids play with the shadows and light. Amongst the shadows from the overhangs, there is always an unexpected beam of light bursting through a void, highlighting a shape or detail you hadn’t noticed before.