An art installation has been placed in Pulteney Weir in Bath to highlight the tipping point of the climate emergency ahead of the COP26 event in Glasgow which commences on 31st October.
Photo © Tom Bright
The United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP26, will bring parties together to help accelerate and coordinate action to tackle climate change.
The architectural practice behind the installation on the famous weir, Stride Treglown in partnership with Format Engineers, wanted to send a message about the need for action on the climate before the historic conference.
The red 5.5m by 3.5m house, which appears to be semi-submerged in the water in front of Pulteney Bridge, has a sculpture of a person on its roof which is clinging on to a cord.
The cord reads ‘COP26’ and is attached to the bridge, stopping the house from sinking.
Photo © Tom Bright
Inspired by Greta Thunberg’s ‘Our house is on fire’ speech at the 2019 World Economic Forum, and influenced by the devastating floods in Europe this year, those behind the installation say it represents how COP26 offers the world hope and a lifeline to avert disaster.
Timber has been used to construct the house to ensure the structure is low carbon. Format Engineers and Stride Treglown also worked with local tradespeople to build the sculpture to minimise transport emissions and keep the installation as sustainable as possible.
Once the installation is dismantled, all of the timber will be donated to the nearby Bristol Wood Recycling Project.
The Sea Cadets have been engaged from the beginning of the project, donating their pontoon to help float the structure and create the submerged effect.
It is hoped that the location of the sculpture will be photographed and shared by the thousands of visitors Bath attracts to help spread the message globally.
Photo © Tom Bright
Stride Treglown partnered with Format Engineers, local sculptor Anna Gillespie and Fifield Moss Carpentry to bring the idea to life.
As a B Corp and carbon neutral certified business in the built environment sector, Stride Treglown wanted to acknowledge that the construction industry is a contributor to climate issues as well as part of the solution.
Greenman Environmental Management was also involved in making the concept a reality.
The Bridge Coffee Shop is supporting the project by allowing the ‘lifeline’ to be suspended from its window.
Many other local businesses also offered support and discounts on materials to help the project be realised, including Wessex Water, Minuteman Press, Sydenhams, Kellaway Building Supplies, Architecture Is, and the RIBA.
Rob Delius, Stride Treglown’s Head of Sustainability, said: “We at Stride Treglown are conscious of how we have a responsibility to reduce our impact on the environment but also be a catalyst for positive change.
“As a B Corp and a carbon neutral business, we wanted to use the piece to highlight the severity of the climate emergency.
“Ahead of COP26, we encourage world leaders to recognise the importance of this opportunity to take meaningful action. We hope that this installation, which has been a collective community effort, helps that message to sink in.”
Councillor Sarah Warren, Deputy Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council and Cabinet Leader for Climate and Sustainable Travel said: “The council is proud and excited that Stride Treglown and Format Engineers have worked with the community, businesses and a local artist to bring this concept to life in the centre of our city.
“Positioning this art installation in the water in front of the iconic Pulteney Bridge means it will be seen by thousands of residents and visitors and will hopefully inspire conversations about the long-term impacts of climate change and the importance of working collaboratively to protect the environment.”
Stephen Melville, Director, Format Engineers added: “As a Bath based business we wanted to contribute to our local community, who have all been extremely supportive in helping us create this.
“We recognise that there is still a huge amount to do as an industry to bring us in-line with climate change targets, and fully endorse the message the installation sends on a sector, local and global level.
“This dramatic and important symbol of climate change against such a historic backdrop will hopefully encourage those in positions of power to do more.”
On the design concept and climate emergency, artist Anna Gillespie said: “The iconic Pulteney Bridge is known throughout the world and is the perfect location to send the message about the need for action.
“The recent floods signify just a small part of the effects of Climate Change: we must all act now to save the planet.
“Contributing to this message through the arts is just a small part of what I can do to ensure protecting our environment is the top priority.”
The installation will be in position until 7th November.
