Spring/ summer 2000 brings a new look to the centre of March. Throughout 1999 Artist Zoë Chamberlain has been working with Fenland District Council in the development of designs for a floorscape feature and integrated range of street furniture for the Market Place area that will be unique to the town. The aim, to preserve and improve the function of the space and to provide an enhanced social setting.
The overall scheme has been planned in a way which respects history and tradition, but which also looks to the future. The strong influence of the road, river and rail on the development of the town and market in particular has been established as a starting point for the development of ideas. March was the home of one of the biggest Marshalling Yards in Europe at one time, and was a central part of the life of the River Nene, which flows adjacent to the Market Place. The scheme aims in some way to reflect the important connections March still has beyond itself today.
CIS Street Furniture were chosen by Zoë and the client Fenland District Council to turn her designs into reality. Fabricated from cast iron and wood, the seating is designed to hint at railway architecture, with the tapering effect also suggesting lines disappearing into the horizon. Cast-iron bollards have been incorporated into the scheme, based on the idea of a ‘Buffer’ bollard. A hinged door allows the ‘buffer’ to be opened for access to services by traders. Smaller buffer bollards were designed to allow people to sit on them, giving a perch type seating arrangement. Railings were to show gentle tapering curves, a common theme throughout the Road, River, Rail designed project.
More information on the scheme can be found at www.zoechamberlain.com
