Iconic public artwork revealed at Brent Cross

An innovative steel-framed artwork that wraps around an electrical substation has been completed in north London at Brent Cross Town, one of Europe’s largest urban regeneration projects.

Located adjacent to the busy A406 North Circular at the junction with the M1 motorway, the 21m-high and 52m-long permanent artwork has been created by artist Lakwena and architects IF_DO.

Formed with a series of CHS columns that are linked by box section beams, the steel frame has brackets that support painted lenticular-shaped aluminium panels that create a kaleidoscopic visual effect to emphasis the idea of movement as viewers move around the structure.

The project is said to have put circular economy principles into action with around 50% of the structural steel being salvaged from unused oil pipelines, reducing embodied carbon emissions by over 40%.

The fabrication and erection of the steelwork was completed by Bourne Steel, who also installed the aluminium panels, which are all unique.

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said: “Lakwena has created an incredible artwork that brings together creativity and sustainability and will be enjoyed by millions of people. London is a world-class cultural capital and this major addition to our public realm in the heart of Brent Cross is another example of how we’re working together to build a better London for everyone.”