Blakedown Landscapes awarded Cambridge University contract
Accredited Contractor, Blakedown Landscapes is excited to announce its appointment as the main contractor for a groundbreaking permanent public artwork to be located in the new JJ Thomson Garden at Cambridge University’s West Cambridge site. The JJ Thomson Garden is the first of four new green spaces that form ‘The Weave’ an interconnected series of landscapes linking the site from east to west and north to south.
The public installation envisioned and crafted by Troika, a collaborative contemporary art group exploring the convergence of technology and the physical environment, manifests as a tangible representation of a virtual tree library designed for training advanced AI models in simulating woodland landscapes.
This artwork takes the shape of a meticulously constructed landscape, seamlessly integrating with the existing terrain. It features 15 distinct tree species, a variety of colourful grasses, and white grid lines that meander across its surface. Troika, in collaboration with Cambridge University Botanic Garden, carefully selected these trees, balancing native and non-native species. The selection process prioritized specimens resilient to climate change, minimizing the need for extensive irrigation and maintenance.
A unique aspect of this installation is the grid arrangement of trees, organized alphabetically. Each tree is identified with its Latin and common name engraved on marble grid lines, accompanied by an online archive link. This arrangement creates an intriguing blend of nature and artifice, blurring the boundaries between the digital and physical worlds. Stepping into this artwork is akin to immersing oneself in a digital realm, where the distinctions between the virtual and real become beautifully ambiguous.
Chris Wellbelove, Director, of Blakedown Landscapes said:
“We are proud to be involved in this innovative public art installation. With our expertise in delivering high-quality landscaping and civil engineering projects, we are committed to ensuring that Troika’s design is translated seamlessly into reality. This collaboration represents the intersection of art, technology and nature and we are excited to be creating a truly unique and immersive experience for both students and visitors alike.”
Luigi Scalera, Project Leader, University of Cambridge followed up with:
“I am thrilled to see the scheme being implemented after 4 years of design development. It sets a new bar for the University in integrating public art with two major building projects. It superbly anchors the landscape to form the gateway of a future linear park running through the West Cambridge site.”