Public
Art - The Rose Garden Water Feature
Eaton Park - Norwich
Eaton
Park, one of the largest municipal parks in Norwich lies in
a residential area to the west of the city centre near the university.
Originated in the early twentieth century the park is formal
in design, including tree-lined avenues, open spaces used for
sport, a model yacht pond, a miniature train and bandstand with
surrounding buildings.
The
brief of this public art project was to reinstate the water
feature in the centre of the Rose garden with a new, contemporary
design and to work with the lead landscape architect to develop
the surrounding hard landscaping.
From
the public consultation program a need for seating and more
protection from the elements around the water feature was highlighted.
My design aimed for a relaxing place that could be a focal point
to the gardens. Personally I also wanted the feature to be a
pleasing environment whether the water was working or not and
that it be designed to withstand public abuse.
The
design consists of a low tiled dome rising within the original
Yorkstone pond surround. Water rising in the centre then flows
over the dome catch the light and enhancing the rich earthy
colours of the tiles. Like the pebbles on a beach the tiles
were laid randomly, but overlaying this is a network of lines
that visually creates a shifting dynamic as the viewer moves
around the form. In keeping with the main directional accent
of the park a low tiled rill of water flows from the direction
of the main gate and the bandstand towards the dome.
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