From Concept to Installation: A Different Approach to Public Art Fabrication

When a development needs more than an empty space

A large sculpture or permanent artwork can become one of the defining features of a development.

It can create a landmark, establish a sense of place, tell a story about the land, or simply give people something memorable to experience. For developers, architects and landscape designers, it can also provide a genuine point of difference.

But there is often a practical problem.

You know the development needs an artwork. You may even know roughly what you want it to achieve. Perhaps it should reference the history of the site, connect with the landscape, create a focal point at an entrance or become a defining feature of a public space.

• But who actually comes up with the concept?

• Who turns that concept into something that can be built?

• And who makes it?

Many councils and public organisations recognise the value of engaging artists early in the development process, particularly where artwork is intended to respond to the history, character, landscape or future use of a particular site. They also encourage collaboration between artists, architects and landscape designers so that artwork can be developed at an appropriate scale and incorporated into the wider project from the outset.

That process can still leave developers and design teams with a practical gap to fill: finding someone who can take an opportunity from an initial idea all the way through to a finished, installed artwork.

This is where Unfound Creations fits.

One studio from concept to completion

Unfound Creations is a design and fabrication studio specialising in bespoke three dimensional work, with experience spanning sculpture, architectural features, experiential assets and custom fabrication in GRC and many other materials.

We are not tied to one particular artistic style or material.

That means we can approach each artwork from the requirements of the site rather than trying to make the site fit a particular artistic style.

We can work with an existing artist who has developed a concept but needs an experienced fabricator to bring it to life.

Or we can work directly with a developer, architect or landscape designer to develop the artwork itself.

For example, a brief might be as simple as:

“We want an eye catching focal sculpture for this development, but we aren't sure what it should be or who can produce it.”

That is a brief we can work with.

Developing artwork around a place

Our visualisation background is particularly useful during the early stages of an artwork project.

Rather than asking a client to imagine what a proposed sculpture might look like, we can develop concepts and produce detailed 3D visualisations, renders and photo montages showing how the work could sit within its intended environment.

This allows the artwork to be considered alongside the architecture and landscape rather than as an isolated object.

The concept can respond to:

• The history and story of the site

• The surrounding landscape

• The architecture of the development

• Cultural or environmental themes

• The intended use of the space

• The scale and movement of people through the site

• Existing materials and architectural language

• The desired visual impact
  

The result can be evaluated before fabrication begins.

Scale can be tested. Materials can be explored. Different concepts can be presented. The relationship between the artwork, buildings, planting and surrounding environment can be considered before committing to production.

More than an artist. More than a fabricator.

Large scale artwork often involves several separate disciplines.

An artist may develop the concept. A designer may develop the details. An engineer may work out how it can be constructed. A specialist fabricator may then be brought in to make it. Someone else may need to organise transport, lifting and installation.

That can work well, but it can also create unnecessary complexity.

Unfound Creations combines much of this process within one studio.

We can develop the concept, visualise it, work through the construction methodology, engineer the fabrication approach, build the artwork, finish it and coordinate its installation.

Where specialist engineering or other expertise is required, we can bring that into the project as well.

The aim is not simply to make the artwork.

It is to make the whole process of getting from an idea to a permanent, site appropriate artwork considerably easier.

GRC opens up possibilities

One of our particular areas of expertise is Glass Fibre Reinforced Concrete, or GRC.

GRC combines the visual and physical qualities of concrete with significantly reduced weight compared with conventional precast concrete. This makes it particularly useful for large scale sculpture and architectural artwork where weight, transportation, access or installation can otherwise become significant constraints.

It can also be fabricated off site and installed once the surrounding development is ready.

That means artwork fabrication can progress alongside construction rather than necessarily waiting for the entire site to be completed.

And although GRC is a concrete material, it does not have to look like concrete.

Through sculpting, moulding, surface treatment and specialist finishes, we can create work that resembles stone, rock, timber, metal or other materials.

For outdoor artwork, particularly in demanding environments, this combination of relatively low weight, structural capability and durable finishes can offer considerable advantages.

Working with artists

We are also available to work behind the scenes.

If an artist has developed a sculpture but does not have the workshop, materials, engineering knowledge or fabrication capability to produce it at scale, Unfound Creations can act as the fabrication partner.

We can work from drawings, maquettes, digital models or other references and develop the practical methodology required to turn the concept into a finished physical work.

For artists, that means access to fabrication capability without needing to establish and maintain the infrastructure themselves.

For developers and design teams, it means there is another option beyond finding an artist and then separately finding someone capable of making the work.

From “we need artwork” to a finished landmark

Permanent artwork is most successful when it feels like it belongs where it has been placed.

It should not simply occupy an empty space.

It should have a reason to be there.

That might be a connection to the land, a reference to local history, a response to the architecture, an interpretation of a natural environment or simply a strong visual identity that makes a place memorable.

Our role is to help turn that opportunity into something tangible.

Whether you already have an artist and a concept, have a rough idea that needs developing, or simply know that a development needs a significant piece of artwork, we can help take it from the first conversation through to the finished installation.

Concept. Visualisation. Design. Fabrication. Installation.

One studio, working nationally across New Zealand, from the first idea to the finished artwork.

Talk to Unfound Creations

If you are a developer, architect, landscape designer, interior designer or artist with a large scale artwork opportunity, get in touch.

We can help develop the concept, visualise the possibilities and work out how to make it real.