BSW Group has provided timber materials to an innovative low-carbon sculpture project displayed across Glasgow as part of the city’s COP26 event.
The Hope sculpture is the centre piece of three public art installations by Steuart Padwick which are located across Glasgow, with each sculpture constructed using low carbon, reclaimed, recycled or sustainable materials, of which, almost all have been locally sourced. It is a showcase of how industry, organisations and people are committed to build more sustainably, as we transition to a net zero future.
Situated in the centre of Glasgow Central Station the ‘Beacon of Hope’ sculpture is made from contoured layers of Scottish-grown Sitka Spruce CLT provided by BSW Group, which celebrates the expanding timber construction industry that Scotland is developing and depicts a ‘child of hope’ figure.
At 20m high, the monumental ‘Hope Sculpture’ represents a beacon of hope and positivity towards reaching global environmental milestones, located in Clyde Gateway’s beautiful woodland park at Cuningar Loop. Its long, elegant columns take their form from the brick chimney stalks that once littered the East End of Glasgow.
Steuart Padwick, Artist and Designer, said: “We all need to address this new global agenda so our young can embrace a future of hope. It is very simple, why would anyone want to poison their future?”
Neil McKay, Managing Director of Urban Union, adds: “The construction industry has an incredibly important role to play in helping to reduce the world’s carbon emissions. By using sustainable and reclaimed materials, this sculpture will serve as a striking reminder of our climate change ambitions while also providing a legacy from COP26 which can be enjoyed by the local community for decades to come.”
The Hope Triptych is a playful adaptation of the Child of Hope, composed of three colourful figures, symbolising the power of coming together and made from reclaimed sheet steel with a low carbon cement-free concrete foundation.
The project, supported by Glasgow City Council is part of the official COP26 legacy and will form an important part of making a difference beyond COP.
Nigel Topping, UN High Level Climate Action Champion, COP26 said, “The monumental Hope sculpture is a powerful and much needed symbol of hope. It is a timely reminder that by taking better care of our environment we take better care of our own and our communities mental well-being.”
Linking our built environment with improved mental well-being, Padwick has worked with Mental Health Foundation on all messaging. Words of Hope have been written by some of Scotland’s favourite voices, writers, and poets as well as local school children. These words have been inscribed directly onto all the sculptures. Each sculpture has mental health signposting close by to offer a range of support.
The team has also developed dedicated activities for school children, giving an insight to the wide-ranging exciting career opportunities in the construction sector. The games, tasks and discussion topics highlight the significant role designers, engineers, constructors, and scientists all play in creating a more sustainable future.
Photo credits to FOURFIFTEEN LTD
