William Lee - Seeded Concrete

So far on this blog, I have dedicated my reviews to the spectacular work of some amazingly talented designers, architects and creative, but now I feel its time to shine alight onto what I have been up-to the past year.

I am a textiles and surface designer recently graduated from Bucks New University where I specialised in Surface Design practice. I see myself as a concept led designer that designs though exploration. I take inspiration from a variety of sources and always strive to explore new concepts and design ideas. I have a strong interest in material development that has led me to work with a diverse group of individuals both within and outside my chosen field. Alongside this I am interested in the responsive element that designing for public spaces can have, how it interacts with its surroundings and the people within them – indeed my dissertation explored the way architectural design effects the human body.

My interest in material development was realised when exploring my second year university project - ‘Seeded concrete’. Often plants are unwelcome in the urban landscape, discouraged from being present away from their nearly trimmed allocated green areas. Many problems experienced in urban spaces could be solved or at the very least reduced by incorporating more vegetation into our cities. I wanted to produce a material that can be used as an industrial material but at the same time actively support and encourage plant life.

In collaboration with a materials scientist and Shire Green Roof Substrates Ltd, I have developed a biodegradable ‘seeded’ concrete, which further combines architectural design with nature. Creating specially developed concrete material, with seeds embedded within it, provides a unique opportunity to welcome nature within architectural design. As well as provide a solution to lost habitats of native wildlife and flower species, together with getting people to reconnect with nature in an otherwise ‘baron’ landscape for plants. With a similar consistency of ‘regular’ concrete, seeds start to germinate once water is added to the material. Plant growth through the substance slowly breaking down the material, which decomposes into soil. Becoming completely biodegradable. To see more of my work please visit my website.

To follow my progress check out my;

http://www.williamleesurfacedesign.co.uk/

http://www.artsthread.com/p/williamlee/

https://twitter.com/WilliamLeeSD

http://pinterest.com/WLSurfaceDesign/

Street art - Mentalgassi, OaKoAk and Aakash Nihalani

Our everyday surrounding are often uninspiring bland places, in which we pass to get from one place to the next. Rarely do we stop and take note of our physical surroundings. Sometimes fragments catch our eyes and instantly connect us back into our settings. Street art has had an unprecedented rise due to the success of a certain Bristolian graffiti artist. However street art must not be confused with public art. Just like street art, public artworks are displayed in public spaces, planned and commissioned by the owner of the space. Street art on the other hand is raw, vibrant and inspiring.

Graffiti is closely connected to street art, and one form of which, that many of us experience on a daily bases, when done well it has the ability to brighten our day, altering the way in which we see and interact within our physical environment. Street art only works in the context of the street.

Street artists take their external surroundings, using what is already present and elevating it into something spectacular, inspiring and imaginative. Three examples of the most exciting street artist doing this are Mentalgassi, OaKoAk and Aakash Nihalani, all three of which use specific elements within their location as bases for their design. 

Mentalgassi is a Berlin art collective built up of 6 individuals; creating large-scale expressive image installations, usually of their friends. Like many street artists Mentalgassi campaign and highlight political issues such as the unjust imprisonment of Tony Davis. Their work brings a relatable and humanistic approach to cold, industrial environments. For more information check out their website.

OaKoAk’s creations are often result in ‘blink and you miss it’ creations that are often simple and playful. To the French artist, the city is seen as one big playground with endless chances to alter, adapt and interject humour. OaKoAk does what street art does best, amuse and inspire people of all ages. For further example of his would see his website.

The most successful street art is all about interaction and interacting with the local environment. Aakash Nihalani’s work highlights details that might otherwise go unnoticed. His work often engages the public to interact due to his two-dimensional environments, offering a momentary escape from their daily lives. More information can be found on his website.

Possibilities are endless and limitations are only imposed from the creativity and scale of their vision. Design that everyone is able to connect with and enjoy outside has a greater resonance away from the harshness of the gallery setting.