The 2019 London Design Festival officially opened this month, featuring a striking giant installation called “Please Be Seated,” designed by Paul Cocksedge using BIM technology. Celebrating its 17th anniversary, the festival continues to transform London into a global design capital. This year’s projects, including “Please Take a Seat,” span art, design, and performance, and are created by internationally acclaimed designers.
Cocksedge’s installation is set to be the most ambitious project commissioned by the British Land Commission to date. Collaborating with ARUP and the high-end interior design firm White&White, he has transformed the Broadgate area of London by creatively reusing scaffold boards. Each component of the installation is custom-designed to fit its environment perfectly. The raised arcs serve multiple purposes: they function as backrests, resting spots, provide shade, and allow pedestrian flow without obstructing the public square. “From this perspective, the installation bridges the worlds of art and craftsmanship,” Cocksedge explains.
This installation was commissioned by Broadgate in response to the dynamic rhythm of the local community. It features resting areas combined with raised sections that encourage pedestrian movement, further activating this bustling pedestrian zone—the largest in London. Since its founding in 2003 by Sir John Sorrell and Ben Evans, the London Design Festival has grown into a citywide celebration that unites designers, artists, architects, and innovators worldwide into a vibrant creative community.
The “Please Sit Down” installation will be on display at Finsbury Street Plaza in Broadgate until October 11, 2019.
Must log in before commenting!
Sign Up