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CCE always enjoys working on something a little different and when we were asked to install the resin bound surfacing to the underpass in Chandlers Ford we were delighted.

David Booth – Creative Director of Symbiotics Creative Design Limited was commissioned to design the underpass. David likes to work closely with communities he’s working for and he set up design workshops at Thornden School to involve the pupils. The brief was to increase public access to the bus stops and encourage bus use in the area.

The pupils and staff explored the design process and created a vision for the subway.

The final design for the subway was an “Urban Aquarium”.

The aquatic public art scheme consists of stainless steel “bubbles” on the walls that bounces and reflects the images of the public passing through the underpass.

Resin bound surfacing was decided for the floor and after much deliberation for the materials and colour the final choice was to use crushed recycled glass.

The main area of pathway was laid with 6mm Atlantic Blue, with circles of a special mix of Frost and Pacific Blue. The effect was to mirror the “bubbles” on the walls. David believes that not only has the new resin paving improved the look and feel through the tunnel but has also eliminated previous issues with pooling rain water, as well as altering the acoustics and increasing temperature levels in the tunnel. The whole scheme works brilliantly, finished off with montages of work from the pupils at Thornden School.

Councillor Pamela Holden Brown said, “The council had been pleased to work closely with the Thornden School on this fascinating project . . . Their inspiring work will make this a very special subway.”

David Booth says: “Symbiotics has relished working with Thorden School on this fascinating project which will help provide a safer route for the pupils and residents”.

The underpass was officially opened by the Mayor Cllr. Derek Pretty on 5 November, which I believe went off with more than a bang thanks to the pupils.

ENDS

October 2008