Showcasing the emotional pulse of the city: Urban artwork spotlights human emotion
A captivating and eye-catching public art installation has been unveiled in Reading, UK, at the new Station Hill development. The installation, named "Royals, Residents & a Rock Festival", was created by artists Stuart Melrose and Kev Munday, and is made from HIMACS solid surface[1][2].
The mural, which serves as an urban regeneration project, is a testament to the town's cultural legacy and reflects its rich history[1][2]. The design includes animated effects, such as the eyes of the characters giving a cheeky wink and full-scale colour changes, as well as a programmable system for lighting effects, supplied by Earlsmann and programmed by Lee Savage[1][2].
The mural is a giant, complicated light box with over 100,000 individually addressable LEDs, creating a vibrant and bold tribute to Reading[1][2]. The real magic in the mural's design is the way the rich and even LED colours fill the space between the lines and glow from pastel tones to deeper shades as it gets darker outside[1][2].
Material and Fabrication
HIMACS solid surface was chosen for the project due to its design flexibility, toughness, compatibility with lighting and electronics, non-porous, resistant, easy to clean, and repairable properties[1][2]. The material's bright, durable, and versatile characteristics allowed for rich coloration and intricate shaping suitable for a high-impact public art piece[1][2].
In terms of fabrication, the project leveraged HIMACS’s Ultra-Thermoforming technology—a formula with increased thermoplastic content that extends shaping possibilities of the solid surface material[1][3]. This process facilitated creating seamless, fluid curves and complex geometries, contributing to the installation’s bold and colorful presence at the underpass[1][3].
Design
The mural's design demands that the HIMACS panels be milled to precise dimensions and fitted like a giant puzzle[1][2]. The mural's front-facing surface is made of HIMACS Opal S302, a material capable of diffusing illumination to optimal effect, spreading the light evenly and allowing for clarity of color[1][2]. The outer shell and black lines of the mural are made of powder coated aluminium[1][2].
The mural's fabrication and installation were carried out by AGS System Ltd[1][2]. The installation is a popular and captivating success, serving as an urban regeneration project to engage townspeople and visitors alike[1][2].
The mural is located at a pedestrian gateway to the town and frames the new underpass while being visible from a 'pocket park' opposite[1][2]. The installation is part of a public realm art trail across two acres linking the station with the town centre[1][2].
Overall, this project exemplifies the integration of advanced materials and fabrication techniques in creating impactful public art within a city environment in the UK[1][2][3].
References
[1] Station Hill Mural. (2021, February 16). Retrieved from https://www.agssystems.co.uk/project/station-hill-mural/
[2] Melrose, S., & Munday, K. (2021, February 16). Reading Mural. Retrieved from https://www.stuartmelrose.com/projects/reading-mural
[3] HIMACS. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.himacs.co.uk/
- "Home-and-garden enthusiasts may find the use of HIMACS solid surface in the creation of the vibrant Reading mural intriguing, considering its flexibility, durability, and compatibility with lighting and electronics."
- "Business owners in Reading could draw inspiration from the innovative lifestyle initiative taken by the developers of the Station Hill project, blending public art, urban regeneration, and advanced materials to enhance the local culture and attract visitors."
