Christopher Tipping

‘Guildhall Square is to be one of the city’s most important public places, a memorable civic space fit for outdoor events, performances and celebration. Chris Tipping has developed a public art strategy that focuses on movement, performance and light. Two circles are defined in the granite by texturing the surface of the paving and are symbolic of the fair grounds that once occupied the site. This brings a tactile and visual shift to the square and plays on light, reflection and colour contrast. A series of bespoke benches are engraved with quotes relating to the history of the Guildhall’. Southampton City Council

The new Guildhall Square was launched on 12th November 2010 after 3 years planning & on site works.

I was commissioned by Southampton City Council & collaborated throughout with the project team of SCC, Mott MacDonald, Bardon Construction, Hardscape & Decomo to inform & shape project outcomes by researching & presenting a public art strategy and interpretive concept brief based on the history & use of the site. This was manifest in the granite paving detailing and the bespoke polished cantilever concrete benches with inset text. The glass atrium artwork, commissioned by Atlantic Property Development Plc & Capita for the adjacent No 1 Guildhall is a further expression of this concept.