Street sculpture sits in the busiest, least forgiving part of the public realm — beside traffic, on pavements, within reach of everyone passing. The design constraints come as much from highways and safety requirements as from aesthetics.
Highways and safety constraints. Pieces near carriageways need agreed setbacks and sightline clearances, and anything on a footway must leave compliant pedestrian width. Edges within reach are rounded, fixings are tamper-proof, and we avoid geometry that creates finger traps or handholds for climbing. Near a junction we keep the form open rather than solid so visibility is not blocked.
Durability in a dirty environment. Street level means traffic film, de-icing salt, dust and graffiti. We specify 316 stainless where salt is used in winter, favour brushed and textured finishes that hide handling, and can apply an anti-graffiti coating that lets paint be removed without damaging the surface beneath.
Services and foundations. Pavements are full of buried services, so foundation depth is often constrained. Tell us what is below and we will design the base to suit — a wider shallow pad rather than a deep block where excavation is limited.
Will it need highways approval? Usually, if it sits within the public highway. We supply structural calculations, foundation drawings and material certificates in the format highways departments expect, and can revise to meet officer comments.
What happens if a vehicle strikes it? Tell us if the position is at risk and we will discuss protective detailing or a frangible base. It is much cheaper to design for than to repair.
Getting started. Send site photographs, the footway width and any highways constraints for a free concept and quote.
