Blue Carpet
Thomas Heatherwick's public square in Newcastle transformed an unloved space around the Laing Art Gallery.
'The Blue Carpet' introduces colour and a cohesive surface to a setting that contains a mix of building types and had no defining character. Laid across the square and 'riding up' against the gallery, the carpet draws the buildings together and creates an intimate open space for both performance and play. The surface has been peeled back to create benches and light voids, and the project incorporates an elegant laminated wooden spiral staircase.
Slideshow
Image courtesy of Mark Pinder
Programme
Grainger Town Project
Artist(s)
Thomas Heatherwick.
Client
Newcastle City Council
Location
Newcastle upon Tyne
Professional Team
McNulty Boats, Hi DEf UK, Keith Morris, Resin Building Products Limited
Project Management
Grainger Town Project
Completion Date
2002
