RMJM Art Commissioning

“In June 2010 I was appointed to create a new artwork and design for the facade of the Beatson Translational Research Centre (BTRC). My appointment has involved a three-month period (across the summer 2010) to research, develop a concept for and create a 2-dimensional artwork that will be anodised onto aluminium panels, clad to the facade of the building on the west, south, and overhanging east facades. My aims were to:

• Create a design that could be sensitive to RMJM's architectural plan, to the Beatson Phase One, to the context of world class clinical and technological expertise that the BTRC will foster, and to the University of Glasgow's aim for the BTRC to be an international centre for excellence as a comprehensive cancer research and treatment centre.

• Draw from and have a relationship to the internal and external landscape and workings of the BTRC, without merely illustrating the interior or exterior. The design needed to offer that context something it doesn't already benefit from.

• To provide a striking, pleasurable and relevant experience for the people using and visiting the BTRC.

After an intensive research and exploratory design period (which involved frequent contact and consultation with the client and design team) my final design translates five intricate pencil drawings into a visually dynamic and eye catching design. These drawings will themselves be subject to a photographic transfer process that will be anodised on natural aluminium producing a striking contrast between a polish and matt finish. Each anodised panel will be placed on the facade to allow the imagery to weave in and out of other panels and create visual connections whilst operating as a carefully conceived whole.


Whilst the building is due to be completed in 2012, Kate will continue to be involved in an advisory capacity to help ensure the quality and accuracy of the drawings is retained in the images and through the anodising process.
”

Kate Davis 
Artist