Photo Credit: Agnese Sanvito
Photo Credit: Agnese Sanvito
Whippet Good (2019) by Delve Architects is an award-winning street bench, originally commissioned by London Festival of Architecture. It was curated by Futurecity for Almacantar, the development company behind the rejuvenation of St. Giles Square, a major new public space adjacent to the iconic Centre Point building.
The artwork brief for the first installations in St. Giles Square’s art programme was to have pieces that were original and playful, which would invite passers-by’s to take a moment to sit and enjoy the square. Following a selection process with Almacantar, the two chosen artworks – Whippet Good and City Blocks by Astrain Studio, which were cited in the square at the same time – reflected a sense of calm and greenery, and 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 London Festival of Architecture, chosen from nearly 100 entries by a group of judges including Ellie Stathaki, Wallpaper* architecture editor.
Delve Architects say, “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.”
Photo Credit: Agnese Sanvito
Photo Credit: Agnese Sanvito
