Context

Artists & architects are increasingly being asked to make creative responses to the public realm, to make imaginative responses to old locations or new areas of developments. The language, discourse and work that results from both disciplines challenges not only creators but audiences and participants alike as it increasingly shifts between more traditional notions of the territory each discipline occupies. However, attend any design meeting with artists, architects, planners, landscape designers etc and the different nuances of professional remit or understanding soon become apparent and often challenging. Awareness of the pitfalls and creative pleasures to be gained through collaborative practice, through dialogue and skill sharing, are increasingly necessary to survive as a professional practitioner – whether artist or architect.
The public, as we walk through our daily lives are now not only part of communities, but we are also audiences and activators of site (willing or unwilling). Play areas and parks become open arenas for artists residencies and the latest in design solutions; offices become shared space with atriums, white walls and corporate art, Councils commission public art for libraries and town squares; hospitals turn into well-being galleries. Yet somehow, when we go for a swim at the local pool our closest connection to this being a location for or reference to something cultural shifts and usually only made evident in the ubiquitous tile work (whether traditional or contemporary) the painted mural (usually landscape/seascape) or frosted glass work adorning the entrance. Is this, the fountains, the piped music, the murals and the occasional temporary art
intervention, where our idea of Culture is located? These sites often try to mediate between cleanliness and function, pleasure and relaxation, and here physical and mental stamina and endurance occupy the same place as play and relaxation. In contrast, few of us participate in rowing, yet arguably proximity to water is not the main reason. Instead, the choices about our aquatic inclinations are informed by the cultural and class prejudices and perceptions inherent within our society and position therefore position certain sports activities exclusive rather than inclusive. As Architects and Artists we cannot operate in ignorance of these issues. How then might we re-imagine these sites?