Futurecity was appointed as the curator for the first Almacantar-commissioned public artwork brief for St Giles Square.
As the development company behind the rejuvenation of St. Giles Square – a major new public space adjacent to the iconic Centre Point building – Almacantar wanted to incorporate playful pieces which invite passersby to take a moment and enjoy the square.
Following a selection process, the two chosen artworks – ‘Whippet Good’ and ‘City Blocks’ by Delve Architects and Astrain Studio respectively, embodied an invitation to slow down and relax in an urban oasis. Both installations were two of the five winners of the City Benches competition for the London Festival of Architecture, chosen from nearly 100 entries.
Delve Architects said, “Against a backdrop of political uncertainty, we began to discuss different ways of helping people cope with stress and create a bench that could help them stay in the moment. All the while, our furry, four-legged office companion was asleep in the corner, tightly wound into a ball after his morning run. It hit us that dogs live in the moment, with no worry for what happened yesterday or what might happen tomorrow. The sleeping form had a sense of calmness and safety that could have the perfect qualities to soothe the anxious minds of those working in London.”
