An uplifting piece of public art has been installed at the Think Tank, Lincoln’s latest managed workspace for innovative businesses.
‘Lydia’, designed by artist Rick Kirby and named after her real life muse, is a life-size female figure made from stainless steel bar and is suspended above the building’s central courtyard with her arms outstretched, as she seems to ascend from the space.
Acclaimed English sculptor Rick is best known for more than 25 striking pieces of public art, including the Vertical Face at Lincoln’s Drill Hall and Cross the Divide at South Bank in London.
Speaking at the site Rick said: “I am delighted to be involved with the Think Tank. I am fascinated by architecture and building materials, which translate into the medium I use for my artwork, so I was thrilled that Lydia was selected to complement this distinctive building.
“The sculpture was originally titled Free Thinking and represents new ideas and freedom and space to think and be different which is exciting and exactly what this new development is offering to businesses in Lincolnshire.”
Phil North, Project Manager for City of Lincoln Council said: “We looked at numerous works to represent the spirit of the place and were impressed with this piece from Rick. The figure is made from welded sections of high tensile steel, which reflect the past industrial use of the site. We hope this graceful sculpture will appeal to and inspire those who use and visit this important building which represents a key part of the Council’s ongoing commitment to local business and the development of the local economy.”
The Think Tank on Rushton Way is a £7.1 million investment and will open for business next month, providing hi-tech, versatile and environmentally sensitive workspaces for up to 30 companies.
Potential tenants wanting further information should contact Rob Smith tel 01522 873 466.
-ENDS-
Issued on behalf of the Think Tank by Lava. For further information contact Matt or Louise at Lava on 01522 842 800 / matt@lavapr.co.uk / louise@lavapr.co.uk
To view all of Lava’s recent press releases or to sign up to receive them via RSS please visit http://www.lavapr.co.uk/press-releases
Note to editors:
1. The Think Tank required an investment of £7.1m to bring the vision to fruition: Objective 2 European Regional Development Fund contributed £4,094,003; Lincolnshire Enterprise and the East Midlands Development Agency contributed £4,608,110 whilst the City Council and County Council are providing £1,150,000 between them.
2. The Think Tank in Lincoln creates offices, workshops, conferencing rooms and exhibition space and networking facilities designed to attract businesses to the city. The building is clad in a unique cladding sheet which transforms colour as people stroll pass, like the iridescent effect found in nature.
3. Designed by Marks Barfield architects, the building is being held as a flagship of sustainable design. Heating for the Think Tank is provided by a ground connected heat pump system feeding underfloor heating circuits, providing 70% of the building’s heat energy. Marks Barfield worked with the Council’s Landscape Officer to create a biodiverse roof to resemble a Lincolnshire meadow.
