A unique site specific sculpture by internationally-renowned artist Tobias Putrih has been unveiled, forming the cultural centrepiece installation at South Bank Tower, the iconic new 41-storey riverside mixed-use development by independent real estate firm CIT.
Curated by Futurecity and developed in collaboration with architects Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF) and interior architecture and design practice, Johnson Naylor, Vertical Shell is Tobias’ largest permanent installation to date. Inspired by South Bank Tower’s extreme vertical space, Tobias was commissioned to create a structure that integrates with the contemporary architecture and utilises the sheer dimension of the new triple-height residents’ lobby.
Surrounded by the full glazing of the residents’ lobby, Vertical Shell has been crafted to belong as much to the community as to the building. Visible from the street as well as from the Mondrian Hotel and the Oxo Tower, the intention is to engage residents, locals and passers-by whilst supporting the building’s architectural ambition.
Inspirational concepts: The concept for Vertical Shell originated from part of an oyster shell discovered on the banks of the River Thames. The body of the structure is built almost entirely from aluminium, with a deep purple exterior intended to emphasise the contrast between the organic work and the surrounding architecture. When observed from the street, Vertical Shell appears almost solid, but as the viewpoint changes so does the density of the piece, becoming translucent and fragile as the viewer moves to the entrance.
A cultural contribution: The South Bank has a long-standing reputation as a cultural hub, and this location has driven a series of innovative collaborations at South Bank Tower, conceived and curated by Futurecity, including a specially commissioned photography exhibition with award-winning photographer, Steve McCurry.
The collaboration with Tobias Putrih marks the area’s latest artistic offering for residents and the local community to enjoy.
George Kyriacou, Managing Director for Developments at CIT, comments:
“Commissioning Tobias Putrih to create a permanent installation for South Bank Tower continues CIT’s commitment tothe local community and vibrant art scene of the South Bank. The installation reflects and enhances the cultural and artistic heritage of the South Bank area, which is fast becoming one of London’s most desirable prime central districts.”
“As South Bank Tower nears its completion, this unveiling marks the next stage with the arrival of the first residents.”
Tobias Putrih, adds: “This commission presented a unique opportunity to create a piece of public artwork that on the one hand keeps the intimacy of a private residential lobby but on the other hand is visible to the surrounding neighbourhood. From my perspective, the goal was to create a structure that integrated with the architecture and design of the new lobby; a sculpture that redefined the aesthetics and to some extent the function of the space.”
“My artwork and practice deals with the interpretation of historic, and in many cases abandoned or forgotten forms, in this instance a fragment of a disintegrating shell. Vertical Shell, a membrane like sculpture, is a gesture serving as a testimony to the geological history of a river to which the city owes its existence.”
“I commend CIT’s commitment and enthusiasm to contribute to the artistic legacy of the South Bank area and fund projects such as this. I think contemporary art commissions form a vital link between residents, the broader community and lead the way for the creation of a diverse and inclusive neighbourhood.”
South Bank Tower is an iconic mixed-use development comprising 193 apartments, 220,000 sq. ft. of office space and 36,000 sq. ft. of retail space. In addition to new homes and five star residents’ facilities, there will also be new outdoor spaces including one of London’s largest roof gardens, walkways and extensive new public realm for local residents and office workers to enjoy and is a significant contribution to the ongoing world-class regeneration of London’s South Bank.
The development is due for final completion in 2016.
Image Credits:
Vertical Shell, Tobias Putrih. Installed at the South Bank Tower. Courtesy of Futurecity and CIT. Photography by Ron Bambridge.