Design & Display Structures goes on a space odyssey - GRP illuminated media display sculpture

A piece of modern art, built by GRP experts Design & Display Structures, has brought an intergalactic flavour to Leeds' tallest building, nicknamed 'The Dalek'

Commissioned by Landmark Development Projects and St James Securities, artists Bryan and Laura Davies referenced a wide range of futuristic sources for their ‘Hello Friends’ sculpture. This included Stanley Kubrick’s iconic film, 2001 - A Space Odyssey.

The 17.5m high column sculpture is located in the atrium of Bridgewater Place in Leeds, a mixed use residential and office building. The monolithic concept was brought to life using a series of nine vertically stacked red GRP modules (or pods), crafted by UK experts Design & Display Structures.

The company’s modular off site manufacturing and fast erection times made them the perfect choice for this landmark piece, causing minimal disruption to the building’s inhabitants.

Since its completion, it has inspired and intrigued local residents through a series of brightly lit images displayed within each of its nine sections. The images, based on science fiction classics, “communicate with passers by about where mankind might be heading”.

In bringing the Davies’ vision to life, the choice of GRP provided a high quality durable finish that is ideally suited to the rigours of the building’s uses - office and residential.

Laura Davies said: “Design & Display Structures translated our drawings into fibreglass with expertise and great knowledge of the material.

“We enjoyed working with the company for its care and attention to detail, from helping us find the right colour and finish, to the high quality installation work.”

As well as being ultra efficient, the company’s state of the art, eco-friendly manufacturing techniques offered a sustainable solution that looks out for future generations.

Allan Curtis, Managing Director of Design & Display Structures, said: “It has been refreshing to work on such an imaginative and futuristic project.

“We needed to truly understand Bryan and Laura’s vision for it to succeed. Our expertise in GRP design and installation provided the perfect fit and finish to bring their concept to life.”

To find out more about Design & Display Structure’s bespoke GRP solutions, visit http://www.design-and-display.co.uk//

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For further information please contact Allan Curtis on 07718 320184

Photography by Jonty Wilde