KENT CULTURAL BATON CREATIVE PROPOSAL
2009 © SUPERBLUE DESIGN
index
KENT CULTURAL BATON
1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0
Introduction Site 2.1 location 2.2 places + spaces 2.3 start + finish Draft design proposals 3.1 opening performance 3.2 making an entrance 3.3 unwrapping the baton Features 4.1 materials + textures 4.2 example layers 4.3 perform 4.4 the prize Images around Kent 5.1 Margate 5.2 Cross Channel Ferry 5.3 Dover Castle 5.4 Canterbury
3 4 5-6 7 8 9 10 11-12 13 -15 16 -18 19 20 21 22 23
2009 Š SUPERBLUE DESIGN LTD
summary
KENT CULTURAL BATON
The Kent Cultural Baton will in some way contribute to the Cultural Olympiad themes which are: • • • • • • •
Encouraging audiences to take part Animating public spaces – through street arts, public art, circus skills, live big screen sites Bringing together culture and sport Using culture and sport to raise issues of environmental sustainability, health and wellbeing Honouring and sharing the values of the Olympic and Paralympic Games Encouraging collaborations and innovation between communities and cultural sectors Enhancing the learning, skills and personal development of young people by linking with education programmes.
Functional Requirements • • • • • •
The Baton will be a touring artwork and therefore must be mobile, robust and sustainable. The scale and shape of the commission must take into account that it will travel around the county and needs to be accessible to a variety of communities of varying ages, abilities and backgrounds. The Baton should also be designed in such a way that the size and weight of the Baton does not make insurance and transport costs unsustainable. The Baton will often be photographed for the press and therefore must have visual characteristics that photograph well, including when its coverage may be printed in a monochrome publication. It must be long lasting and durable, and attention should be paid to ensuring that it meets all standard health and safety regulations. As far as possible, every effort should be made to ensure that it cannot be a target for vandalism – or at worst could reasonably withstand such attacks. All materials must be non-combustible and if metal is used, the finish must be galvanised and be of high quality.
Desired Outcomes and Achievements • • • •
Increased profile and understanding of the Cultural Olympiad and of cultural activity within Kent Increased level of participation as the people of Kent are inspired to interact with the Baton Generation of interest in culture and in London 2012, thus engaging new audiences A collection of shared memories captured after 2012
2009 © SUPERBLUE DESIGN LTD
introduction
KENT CULTURAL BATON
Overview In response to the Kent Cultural Baton brief and the Cultural Olympiad themes Superblue propose an interactive landmark for a public space. Using the principals Superblue have learnt and designed over the past 5 years a strong iconic structure will reflect and support people playing and performing around it. As touring artwork Superblue propose the structure is modular and adaptable to meet the needs of different hosts and site. In response to the themes of the Olympics and the Cultural Olympiad the Baton will leave a legacy across Kent and provide a link between Sport, Culture and the community of Kent. Kent is a large and historical county bordering the 2012 Olympic city. With rural, urban and maritime landscape the Kent countryside is wide and varied. The major link to continental Europe, Kent can be seen as the gateway to the UK. The Baton needs to connect with a broad audience and provide a unique experience to a variety of groups.
2009 Š SUPERBLUE DESIGN LTD
KENT CULTURAL BATON
places + spaces
Some of the many varied views and potential sites for the touring and visiting Baton.
2009 Š SUPERBLUE DESIGN LTD
KENT CULTURAL HERTSMERE COMMUNITY BATON SPACES PROJECT
places + spaces (cont.)
Some of the many varied views and potential sites for the touring and visiting Baton.
2009 Š SUPERBLUE DESIGN LTD
start + finish
KENT CULTURAL BATON
The starting point for the Kent Cultural Baton is the London 2012 Olympics. It is the start and end of our journey. The centre of the olympic celebration will be the Olympic stadium in Stratford, East London.
START
FINISH
We propose this will be the starting point for the Baton, and then travel out and around Kent. Opportunities to link with other Olympic, National, Regional, and Local events en route need to be identified. Perhaps the first journey can depart by train from Stratford to Ebsfleet? The Baton will finish its journey here where the final legacy will be unveiled.
2009 Š SUPERBLUE DESIGN LTD
opening performance
KENT CULTURAL BATON
The Olympic stadium is the site of the Batons ‘Prologue’ This is where the Baton will be wrapped up like a giant ‘Pass the Parcel’. Starting with the surprise prize consecutive layers are built up of unique wrappings. This wrapping ceremony will provide the exciting opening performance to the Batons journey.
?
Winding throughout the ball of layers will be the time-line thread, a mile long finish line tape.
2009 © SUPERBLUE DESIGN LTD
2009 © SUPERBLUE DESIGN LTD
KENT CULTURAL BATON
making an entrance
The Baton a giant ‘Pass the Parcel’ will travel around Kent. Travelling a variety of ways the Baton will enter into each venue uniquely to each venue. Perhaps by road, rail, air, water, or literally pushed up the high street.
2009 © SUPERBLUE DESIGN LTD
KENT CULTURAL BATON
unwrapping the baton
Made from 365 different layers the baton will slowly unravel each day The Baton will represent the 31 different sports of the Olympics, participating countries and make reference to Kent cultural and historical references of significance. As the Baton will be based at venues for longer than 1 day at a time layers will be combined. Left: This example shows a canoe layer formed into a 3D structure sitting onto the next white water rapid layer. The people show the impressive scale of the structure.
2009 Š SUPERBLUE DESIGN LTD 10
KENT CULTURAL BATON
materials + textures
Each layer is a unique piece of work in its own right. Through using stitching and printing each layer will provide deeper layers of information and detail . Digital printing techniques and computer controlled stitching and cutting will be used to meet time schedules and costs. 2009 Š SUPERBLUE DESIGN LTD 11
KENT CULTURAL BATON
materials and textures (cont.)
Using Kent based sail makers and cutters to produce the layers the layers will have the intricacy and tactility of an embroidered fabric with the durability to withstand external conditions. Water resistant and tough fabrics will be used such as neoprene and composite sail materials. 2009 Š SUPERBLUE DESIGN LTD 12
KENT CULTURAL BATON
example layers
The layers will reveal a whole range of items surrounding the Olympics. Left: Embroidered images include images of flags, medals, tracks and whole crowds.
2009 Š SUPERBLUE DESIGN LTD 13
KENT CULTURAL BATON
example layers (cont.)
Each sport will be treated in an individual way and provide whole scenes to be made . For example we have show jumping fences on this page with additional hedges. Also here is the basket ball play with the baskets. The weight lifting weights are shown as nets to be made up into 3D objects.
2009 Š SUPERBLUE DESIGN LTD 14
KENT CULTURAL BATON
example layers (cont.)
Some layers will provide opportunities for performance and interaction Clothing, medals stands, boxing bags and gloves and a synchronised swimming pool.
2009 Š SUPERBLUE DESIGN LTD 15
KENT CULTURAL BATON
perform
Several layers create a stage set and an opportunity for performance . This synchronised swimming pool has its own crowd, medal plinths and pool. The pool has leg holes provided for people to play out synchronised swimming routines. Each layer is embroidered in detail to show the texture of water, the atmosphere or significance. REMEMBER each layer is left as a gift and legacy to each site to remember the 2012 Olympic year.
2009 Š SUPERBLUE DESIGN LTD 16
KENT CULTURAL BATON
perform (cont.)
Made from durable and water proof neoprene and sail fabrics there will be opportunities for the Baton to take to the water and represent the water based sports such as sailing. Perhaps the Baton can make its entrance into a venue via one of the rivers in Kent or off the famous Kent coastline.
2009 Š SUPERBLUE DESIGN LTD 17
KENT CULTURAL BATON
perform (cont.)
The layers can be intricate and more abstract to show the variety and breadth of the Olympics. This layer would show all the cycling events through the change in form, texture and colour.
2009 Š SUPERBLUE DESIGN LTD 18
the prize
KENT CULTURAL BATON
The Batons journey will reveal new layers and new experiences leaving a trail of images and objects in its wake at each venue.
?
This will lead up to revealing the ‘PRIZE’ - a surprise piece of work in memory of Kent and the Cultural Baton.
The Baton holds a secret at its centre waiting to be revealed in 2012
365 layers make up Baton
the unravelling ‘Finish-Line’
2009 © SUPERBLUE DESIGN LTD 19
KENT CULTURAL BATON
images around Kent - Margate
Baton at the Beach 2009 © SUPERBLUE DESIGN LTD 20
KENT CULTURAL BATON
images around Kent - Cross Channel Ferry
The Baton on an ambassadorial day trip 2009 Š SUPERBLUE DESIGN LTD 21
KENT CULTURAL BATON
images around Kent - Dover Castle
The Baton and Historical sites 2009 © SUPERBLUE DESIGN LTD 22
KENT CULTURAL BATON
images around Kent - Canterbury
The Baton making an impact on the streets of Kent 2009 Š SUPERBLUE DESIGN LTD 23
CONCEPT + DESIGN Superblue Design Ltd. 4th Floor 40 Yonge Park London N4 3NT T/F +44 (0) 207 607 4527 M: +44 (0) 79 12034 989 E: info@superblue.co.uk W: http://www.superblue.co.uk
Š Copyrights This document is not intended for further publication. The contents of this booklet are copyright protected. The information, ideas and contents of this booklet are confidential and may not be copied or distributed or used without agreement of Superblue Design Ltd. Excepted from this are all areas of the business communication of the author. Permission for images by others has not been sought by Superblue Design Ltd. in the compilation of this document.