The subway revival was carried out to encourage the use of public transport in the area and required an adequate drainage system to prevent pooling and water drainage issues that had occurred with previous surfacing. Symbiotics Design Consultancy Ltd (SDCL) was commissioned to design the underpass, working closely with the Thornden School and the local community to implement the public art and civil works.

Crushed, recycled glass bound with Addaset resin surfacing was chosen for the underpass because of the choice of colours available and use of recycled materials. 18mm Atlantic Blue was laid to the main area of pathway with circles of a special mix of Frost and Pacific Blue to mirror the stainless steel bubbles on the walls.

 

Commenting on the project, David Booth, Creative Director of designers SDCL said, “The new resin paving has improved the look and feel through the underpass and has eliminated previous issues with pooling rainwater. The acoustic and temperature levels through the tunnel have been improved due to the specification of resin surfacing. We are extremely pleased with the result achieved which has helped provide a safer route for pupils and residents using the underpass.”

 

The finished design also includes mirror polished stainless steel discs to represent bubbles and stainless steel and polycarbonate porthole signs containing individual montages of work by pupils of Thornden School. The scheme was short listed by Sustain Magazine for its annual awards for work in the public realm. www.addagrip.co.uk.