11 Oct A3M Helps Develop Interactive Public Art Installation for Portsmouth
A3M Designs has helped Portsmouth School of Architecture complete a highly creative public art installation for the University’s Chatterbox Pavilion.
Due to the company’s unique design and print expertise, A3M were chosen to supply printed media for the outdoor feature which celebrates cultural diversity and promotes community integration. Located in Guildhall Walk, the interactive installation will also encourage an inclusive use of public space.
According to Guido Robazza, Senior Lecturer and Architect, the School’s major challenge was to find the right material and printer to meet the unusual needs of the project.
“We knew that the media being printed on needed to be robust to withstand being outdoors for the 2 year duration of the installation and we also needed the specialist print knowledge that a company like A3M Designs has” said Guido.
The structure consists of a set of timber frames in which are installed 259 spinning tiles that can be pushed by users to reveal their opposite faces. Passers-by will be engaged through games, photo’s, puzzles and creative artworks designed by students and the local ’Chat Over Chai’ community group.
A3M started working closely with the school in July and began testing different materials for the tiles and to identify the best method of production. Each 220mm tile is designed to spin on the installation and has a different design on the front and back, so in total there were 518 artworks to line up and print. An unusual method of printing was used to provide a high impact colour finish with a guarantee of 3 years before fading.
“I am very happy with the service provided by A3M on this project and would be pleased to work with them again in the future. Their knowledge of different print processes has been invaluable and the quality of the finished product is excellent” Says Guido.
A3M have also supplied an additional 65 tiles to form a feature for the Portsmouth Makers Guild. Created from collages designed by local people, this feature aims to help bond the local community.
