Blakedown Landscapes Selected as Main Contractor for Permanent Public Artwork at Cambridge University
Blakedown Landscapes is excited to announce its appointment as the main contractor for a groundbreaking permanent public artwork to be located in the new JJ Thomson Garden at Cambridge University’s West Cambridge site. The JJ Thomson Garden is the first of four new green spaces that form ‘The Weave’ an interconnected series of landscapes linking the site from east to west and north to south.
The public artwork, conceived and designed by Troika a collaborative contemporary art group with a focus on the intersections between technology and the physical world, takes the form of a constructed landscape and comes together as a ‘real world version’ of a virtual tree library that would be used to train powerful AI for modelling a woodland landscape. With a composition featuring 15 different tree species, a collection of diversely coloured and textured grasses and white grid lines undulating across its surface, the artwork seamlessly amalgamates with the existing topography.
Carefully selected through extensive research by Troika and the Cambridge University Botanic Garden, the trees comprise both native and non-native species. The planting design prioritises sustainable, resilient, and adaptable specimens that can withstand climatic changes without relying heavily on irrigation and maintenance.
Notably, the trees will be arranged in a grid in alphabetical order, creating a unique juxtaposition of nature and artifice. Each tree will be labelled with its latin and common name engraved into the marble grid lines with a tag linking it to an online archive. Stepping into this artwork will be akin to entering the digital world of a computer, blurring the lines between the virtual and physical realms.
Chris Wellbelove, Director, Blakedown Landscapes said “we are proud to be involved in this innovative public art installation. With our expertise in delivering high quality landscaping and civil engineering projects, we are committed to ensuring that Troika’s design is translated seamlessly into reality. This collaboration represents the intersection of art, technology and nature and we are excited to be creating a truly unique and immersive experience for both students and visitors alike.”
Luigi Scalera, Project Leader, University of Cambridge followed up with “I am thrilled to see the scheme being implemented after 4 years of design development. It sets a new bar for the University in integrating public art with two major building projects. It superbly anchors the landscape to form the gateway of a future linear park running through the West Cambridge site.”