This major construction project by the Environment Agency is now complete and you can read the full article on their website here.
We were asked to look at how we can engage the public with the purpose behind the project and explain the issues about barriers to fish migration. Our input involved working closely with the client group and construction staff in creating a range of solutions.
The features include corten sculptures which fringe the path on the way to the viewing platform. Once on the platform you will have an opportunity to see fish below your feet as they travel up the Trent.
The information boards focus on various fish species including the mysterious lamprey, the silent pike and of course the imperious salmon. We chose to relate some of the descriptions to the famous book the Compleat Angler by Isaac Walton.
Design options and planning document.
The blue resin visualises the path of the River Trent, with nine cast concrete blocks spread along the route. These provide seating for visitors, and also represent the locations of each of the large weirs that present barriers to fish migration without the work of the Trent Gateway project. The block indicating Colwick Sluices is coloured red to provide context to the current location. The mesh flooring and side panels are designed to allow visitors to see the channel, and hopefully spot any aquatic visitors. There are a few more items to install, once completed the platform will be open to the public.
The corten features were fabricated by chris Brammall of CB ARTS. These show different species such as lamprey, pike, salmon and eel. The light shines through the laser cutting and projects shadows onto the paving leading to the viewing platform.
The installation and some of the construction of the signage was done by our partners IS Group who were an absolutely brilliant company to work with. They were careful, diligent and professional and created some complex work for us including stainless steel floor strips as well as the etched strips on the wall itself. The header panels were created using laser cut stainless steel and is designed to take the sun and project shadows onto the floor.
One of the quirkier signs was our Pooch Perch - this is to allow dog walkers to attach their pooch to the perch without risking their little paws in the mesh of the platform.
The main feature illustration carries a very large nature journal composite. I created this after visiting the site and nearby locations and observing and sketching the wildlife and nature of the Trent. I have then taken these observations and created a composite in order for visitors to get an understanding of the biodiversity of the Trent and its environs. Hopefully this will provide visitors with inspiration to look at the beautiful wildlife along the river and make their own records.
Nature Journal Composite illustration showing the biodiversity of the Trent.