CBC Design and Access Statement - Papworth Hospital

The Expansion of Cambridge Biomedical CampusDesign and Access Statement‘Bring artists in as creative thinkers, not just as makers of objects’By Design – Urban Design in the Planning System (CABE/ DETR)• Maintenance & AgeingThe long-term value which the local community will gain from public art should be considered. It isimportant that any maintenance costs are considered from the outset. Ideally public art will needminimal maintenance and will be very hard wearing. The likely ageing of the materials used should alsobe evaluated so that the public art can be enjoyed for a very long period of time.limited to one small area of a development, or it could be a theme that runs through the development. Itcould be linked or arranged around a river, a tree, a building, a bus shelter or built into the landscape. Itcould be incorporated into the street scene in the form of street furniture or unusual lighting. It couldcelebrate virtually anything; our children, the environment, a period of history, a political or religiousmovement or a local sports team. By being open minded, and employing a meaningful andcomprehensive strategy which seeks to involve the community, the Applicants will ensure that public artand its contribution is considered from an early stage.Vandalism poses a very real threat to public art. To best avoid vandalism it is important that the localcommunity understand their public art and have a sense of ownership so that it means something tothem. There will still be some risk of vandalism and it is worth considering whether certain types ofpublic art are more susceptible to vandalism or some locations are more susceptible. All these factorsshould be considered.• Liability & InsuranceHealth and safety around public art should always be considered. Public art should be accessible to alland safe for adults and children alike, and liability and insurance should be considered in advance of itsinstallation.• GrantsAlthough the majority of public art is funded by the developer, it is worth touching on the subject ofgrants. There are numerous charities, arts organisations and businesses who give grants to fund publicart. Often there is a lack of awareness of such grants and there are such an array that it can seemdaunting and difficult to know where to start. Many have their own criteria on who can apply and howmuch will be awarded. Often only charities or local community organisations can apply.The Applicants have researched this and can often advise local communities on suitable organisations toapproach, if they would like to apply for funding for public art in addition to that already provided as partof the development.ConclusionAlong with the government and planning authorities, the Applicants recognise the environmentsurrounding their developments as being key to success - and as part of this, public art must be a centralconsideration.The beauty of public art is that it is so versatile and accessible. These unique characteristics should betaken advantage of to ensure that creativeness is not stifled. Public art can be rural or urban; it could be49