Smashing the symmetry

Colour Bombing

The easiest way to break the symmetry in Portland Place is the create asymmetry... two things came to mind, firstly:

This was a real, derelict Scottish Housing estate - nicely improved. A Sony TV ad from a few years ago - probably why they are in financial woe right now!

By Nick Walker - a Bristol boy just like Banksy.  The middle image is called 'That's Better' - good title! Oh, and the brick and building is all stencil work... imagine cutting that out!

Colour bombing Portland Place. Buildings and street as canvases - distorting the geometry.
  

Haring Revistited - the antithesis of Portland Place.

I returned to Haring's work for a touch of guidance. Key things that I want to integrate into my scheme are, 1) Haring's Line (flowing, rhythmical, spontaneous, instinctive, organic), 2) Cultural influences (technology, pop, fun, community), 3) Haring Symbolism (succinct, poignant, human, anthropomorphic, narrative) and 4) Colour (day glow, 80's, hopeful, of the moment, energy, disco).

The symbolism in Haring's work interests me - his work often depicting zoomorphic figures and humanoid forms, in simple, understandable narratives. The sketch above is very schematic, not really a design proposal as such, but a response to the stuffy, closed environment that is P.Place.

Anthropomorphic and zoomorphic symbols arranged in a typically Haring fashion, clearly influenced by hieroglyphics, Mayan pictograms etc. Not stuffy, easily understood and accessible - the antithesis of Portland Place.

Haring Totem - a landmark that on the surface sympathizes with the symmetry found on PP. But, beneath the surface the planting continues with viewing portal dotted around the site, revealing what lies beneath. Above ground and below ground  positive/negative. Positioned in the center of the box junction to allow more opportunity for shadow play. Response to the elitist RIBA facade that is adjacent - communal gardens, or a 'vertical park' or allotments... creating community and humanity in Portland Place.