Where art and architecture meet: exploring the public art of Auriens Chelsea

Architect Daniel Copitch explores the inspiration behind the collaborative public artworks on our Auriens Chelsea project

Some of our more artistically collaborative projects are a testament to our belief in the notable role of art in architecture. As our approach is rooted in context, we relish the opportunity to incorporate its visual articulation on our buildings. For Auriens Chelsea, this is brought to life by Rona Smith with beautifully crafted balconies and gates.

Although separated by vocation, art and architecture are vastly akin. Not only do their stakeholders share an interest in creativity and aesthetics, their aspiration for conceptual grounding and cultural significance are unrivalled. Examples of architecture which acknowledge these shared objectives, have the potential to powerfully exude sense-of-place.

Fabrication at the Benson Sedgwick workshop

Auriens Chelsea showcases a successfully completed opportunity to work alongside a local artist. In this example, Rona Smith - a specialist in sculpture and installation, was commissioned to enhance the streetscape through use of a historically significant yet contemporary work of art. The resulting framed metalwork is inspired by the traditional wallpaper designers who once occupied the area. Smith’s proposal overlays an otherwise self-effacing section of façade in figurative wallpaper hangings, in a welcoming architectural gesture towards the building’s entrance foyer.

“Given the luxury residential setting of the commission and the fact that the work traverses the walls of the building, the wallpaper trade serves as an appropriate and unique theme for the artworks.”
Rona Smith

Each fabricated panel is the result of precision cutting bronze sheet material using a waterjet, which is then welded together to create a mounted piece. A white painted layer is incorporated behind for increased contrast in the upper portion of each framed unit. The addition of smaller sections of laser cut painted steel at ground floor, further harmonize Smith’s overall vision.

“I am delighted to see this work come together after a great deal of research and collaboration. My aim is that the balconies and gates enhance the sleek, clean lines of the architecture whilst dressing the building in a design that evokes Chelsea’s artisanal past.”
Rona Smith

The Auriens’ artwork demonstrates creative collaboration through a clear appreciation of the context in which it sits, whilst entertaining the passer-by with scale-appropriate craftsmanship.

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