Wind-Wave | 314

Location

Promenade at Blackpool

Type

Art Installation for RIBA Competition

Year

2002

Client

Blackpool City Council

The sculptural form of the Wind-Wave is derived from the imagery of a traditional beach wind-breaker with a butterfly kite roof.  By considering a form that allows for interior and exterior occupation, Wind-Wave does not just provide shelter, but rather a dynamic enclosure forming both internal and external space wrapped up within an apparently continuous and sinuous surface. 

The colour of each of the three Wind-Waves is derived from traditional stripy canvas deckchairs and awnings with a contemporary twist. The internal and external spatial experiences are modulated through overlapping transparent colour panels, external louvers, specifically located apertures and the varying everyday site conditions.  At any moment the appearance of the three Wind-Waves will vary along the promenade, to give a vibrant and intriguing shoreline vista for visitors and residents. 

Wind Wave has lightness both in physical terms and in the transformation of their appearance during the day and evening. It has photo-voltaic panels which charge batteries which in turn light up low power led lights in the floor and fluorescent lamps concealed in the perimeter roof edge. These glow quietly and give off a gentle light into and around Wind Wave.

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