Cove Knot, Ray Bramham Gardens Public Arts Project

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RESEARCH BACKGROUND: 'Cove Knot' was one of four shortlisted projects (from 46 expressions of interest) for the City of Darebin's Ray Bramham Gardens Public Arts Commission. The commission honoured the work of Ray Bramham, a well-known engineer in the northern suburbs of Melbourne. The researchers' work, 'Cave Knot', was a curling shell-like structure that cast a shadow over the seating within sculpture. The four shortlisted works received $1000 from the council to make a marquette of their proposed sculpture and to prepare detailed documentation of the proposed work. The researchers prepared a 44-page document for a project with a proposed budget of about $88,000. RESEARCH CONTRIBUTION: 'Cove Knot' performed at multiple levels and challenged the conventional nature of art works in public space as being only objects in the landscape. The form of the work celebrated the cultural diversity of Darebin (and the suburb of Preston) by actively mapping the passing of time via the tracking shadow of the sun. The sculpture acted as a shelter, it improved public safety by providing an observation space and it contributed to local identity. The form generation was also innovative; the researchers explored construction techniques of engineered primitive geometries and rapid prototyping technologies to minimise material and structural redundancy. RESEARCH SIGNIFICANCE: This was one of four shortlisted projects from a field of 46. The selection process, outlined in the attached Darebin City Council minutes, was rigorous. The 'Cove Knot' proposal outlined how councils could use public art works to engage with a range of demands. The design itself was generated through a thorough consideration fo geometric primitives and innovative construction techniques.