• i1 I ~
Taunton Deane would like to acknowledge Public Art South West for their advice, Independent Cultural Consultants, Sally Medlin and Ben Parry for their production of this code and Fire & Ice Creative for the design of the booklet
Many of the proJects illustrated I I ' II I I
Appendix B: The artist skill profile
Appendix C: Precedents and msp1rat1on •
Appendix D· Resources, advice and context I I I INTRODUCTION I I
I The Taunton Deane Public Art Code is a The Code gives step-by-step guidance the Green Infrastructure Strategy, the· strategic action plan and guide to assist on the action required of all developers Sustainable Communities Strategy and all private and public sector developers and indicates sources of practical Economic Development Strategy. I in the Borough to enhance design advice and information on best practice and architectural quality and create in integrating a public art approach into Taunton Deane Borough Council an exemplary public realm through development and employing artists as adopted the Public Art Code in October I employing the practical skills, creativity part of the development team. 2009. The Code will be reviewed and and imagination of artists as an integral updated as the context in Taunton part of successful and sustainable The Code is one of a number of Deane evolves and changes. I development. documents that guide development in Taunton Deane. The Code applies to the I The Code sets out the principles whole of Taunton Deane, and assumes underpinning the strategy and its the standards and requirements set out creative rationale; identifies key in other Local Development Framework I strategic issues affecting development documents including planning as a whole and proposes specific public obligations for the Taunton Town Centre art opportunities in the following spatial Area Action Plan and other area Action I areas of Taunton Town Centre: Plans, Design Codes, and other material Taunton Deane policies and protocols - Firepool that apply to the spatial area relevant to I - Firepool Lock the development concerned. - Cultural Quarter Top: River Tone Bridge. -Tangier The Code should also be read alongside Tauriton, I - High Street and East Street other development related policy . Boitom: Elementz dance at and delivery guidance issued by the Strset1am, Hamliton Gault, Borough Council, notably the Taunton Taunton. I Deane Local Development Framework including the Urban Extensions I Supplementary Planning Document, I The Taunton Deane Public Art Code THE PUBLIC LIFE OF PUBLIC SPACE 1 I PUBLIC ART1ND I DESIGN POLICY STATEMENT I I
Taunton Deane Borough Council adopted a Public Art and Design Policy in June 2007. The aim is to promote and support excellence in public art as an integral element of the design of buildings and development and I enhancement of the public realm. The policy relates to large new buildings and open space developments in Taunton Deane under private and public ownership. I All developments in excess of 15 residential units or 2500 square metres (gross) of commercial floorspace will be required to contribute towards the provision of public art and public realm enhancements through I commissioning and integrating public art into the design of buildings and the public realm or by a commuted sum to the value of one percent of development costs. I Many local authorities across the UK have involvement in planning for change. The Public Art Code focuses investment adopted public art policies as an integral · Creative and high quality design of the from both the public and private sectors part of their approach to regeneration built environment and the public realm into design and delivery of a high quality I and development. Equally many private contributes directly to successful places built environment and an exemplary public sector developers have embraced a public that promote business activity and realm where residents, businesses and art approach as a core way of working attract commercial investment and foster visitors alike experience well-designed because of its tangible benefits in terms of active civic, commercial and cultural life. buildings and public spaces with a I profile, marketability, distinctiveness and Employing the creativity, imagination distinctive sense of place. quality of development. and practical skills of artists as members of interdisciplinary design teams or to I Making Taunton Deane a better place undertake specific commissions helps to be with a high quality of life for all is give developments a distinctive and crucial to successful development and competitive edge. Top: Glam Rocks by Peter Freem::m, 2001 . Bk:cl 2 THE PUBUC llFE OF PUBUC SPACE The Taunton Deane Public Art Code I I I DEVELOPMENT AND p ANNING 1 REQUIREMENTS AND PROCESS: I I Action I All developers are required to: I - Demonstrate compliance with the Public Art Code throughout the development and planning process - Integrate public art into overall master planning at the earliest possible stage following the priorities and I guidance of the Public Art Code - Commit a sum [the Developer Contribution] towards the provision of the agreed public art and public realm River Parrett Trail I enhancements through commissioning and integrating public art into the design of buildings and the public sculpture by Louise realm to the value of one percent of construction costs based on BCIS data. Baker at the Willows and Wetlands Centre, Stoke St Gregory, Taunton. I The Borough's preferred option is for all developers to plan and deliver their response to Taunton Deane's public art and design policy as an integral part of their development. Appropriate public art and design proposals must be included within the planning application. Finalised proposals will then be explicit within I the full planning permission. In exceptional circumstances a Commuted sums will be used to development. Public art will have equal I development may not be considered by deliver infrastructure and public realm status alongside other planning obligations. the Borough to have a significant impact enhancements related to the development on the social and physical characteristics through public art initiatives integrated Developers are encouraged to contact the I of its surroundings. In these cases planning within the development site or be used to Development Management Officers and officers and public art experts within the contribute to place-wide public realm and Arts Officer of Taunton Deane Borough Council and developers could agree that other plans adopted and promoted by Council at pre-application stage for an I the Developer Contribution should be the Borough to support and promote initial discussion. provided through a commuted sum to the successful development. In these cases value of one percent of construction costs it is anticipated that an appropriate I based on BCIS data. Section 106 Agreement will accompany any planning permission granted for the I The Taunton Deane Public Art Code THE PUBLIC LIFE OF PUBLIC SPACE 3 I THE PROCESS I I I In normal circumstances a prospective When the development involves a land developer will approach either the Borough disposal by Taunton Deane Borough I Council or Project Taunton with a view Council all Development Agreements will to investing in a development site. The include the amount agreed as the Developer developer will be given a copy of the Public Contribution and a requirement to provide a Art Code and must discuss with officers Public Art Statement defining the proposed I the range of opportunities for public art to integration of a public art approach in the be integrated into their development, given development within three months of signing the strategic guidance ofthe Code and the the agreement. Implementation of the Public I character and objectives ofthe development. Art Statement will then follow the normal The developer will be encouraged to secure planning process outlined below. professional advice on public art from a I specialist agency or consultant. In all other circumstances, i.e. where developments are on land not in ownership The Development Management Officers of the Council, the developer will also be I ofTaunton Deane Borough Council are required to comply with the Code and follow responsible for ensuring that communication the normal planning process outlined below. is clear and co-ordinated with the developer. They work in collaboration with Project Developers will need to provide details of I Taunton and Somerset County Council, their proposals to comply with the Public Art including the sec Highways Agency and Code at key points throughout the planning transport forward planning team, and will process. The following flow charts indicate I provide developers with information and the anticipated normal process. Officers guidance throughout the development and will discuss and confirm in pre-application planning process. planning discussions any anticipated I variation to this process. I I Castle Bow. Taunton. I 4 THE PUBllC llFE OF PUBLIC SPACE The Taunton Deane Public Art Code I I I PUBLIC ART PROCESS FOR AN OUTLINE I 110 RESERVED MATTERS PLANNING APPLICATION I Process Actions Pre-Outline Planning Application Discussions. • Developer appoints public art expertise (lead artisVs and/or public art consultants as I • appropriate) to oversee the development and implementation of a public art statement. • ArtisVs appointed as appropriate. I Developer carries out pre-application public consultation. • Public art consultants and/or artists Public art consultants and/or artisVs identify : contribute to the production ofthe master a programme, budget and management for • plan and identify opportunities for artisVs on and/or off development site temporary I • relating to buildings and the public realm. public art and other actfvities. I Outline planning application submitted. : Public Art Statement submitted with Design and Access Statement and other information. Local authority managed consultation. • Public Art Statement included in consultation process. Review of public art statement by LA public art expertise, comments to I LA Planning Officer. • Planning Obligations and Conditions agreed. Determination of Planning application by LA Planning Officer/Committee. I : Clauses to be included that secure the Clauses to be included that identify budget Signing of S106 Agreement and granting of outline planning permission. development and implementation of and management for programme of on and/ • conceptual and materials details of an or off development site temporary public I • artisVs contribution to buildings and the art and other activities identified within the • public realm. public art statement. • ArtisVs appointed. I Pre-reserved matters planning applications discussion. ArtisVs conceptual and material details included within architecVlandscape architect's I Developer carries out pre-application public consultation • drawings and reports and submitted to LA. Reserved matters planning application submission. : ArtisVs work included in consultation proc~ss. I Local authority managed consultation. • Planning conditions agreed. Review of Public Art Statement by LA public art expertise. Comments to LA Planning Officer • Further conceptual and material details of artisVs contribution to buildings and the public I Determination of planning application by LA Planning Officer/Committee. • realm submitted to and approved by the LA upon commencement of development. Occupation of Development. : Conceptual and material details of artisVs contribution to buildings and the public realm . I • implemented prior to occupation of the development. The Taunton Deane Public Art Code TIE PIBUC UFI OF PUBUC SPACE 5 I CONTENT Of APUBLIC STATEMENT: I OUTLINE AND RESERVED MATTERS I I In accordance with the public art policy and SPD, a public art statement for a significant development site requiring an outline planning permission and the approval of reserved matters planning applications will need I to contain the following information. - Explanation of how the public art proposals that inform the wording of planning of public art relating to the development's Council (to be specified in the clause) in I meet the requirements of Taunton Deane obligations between the developer and buildings and public realm are to be accordance with the programme described Borough Council's Public Art and Design the Borough Council implemented prior to the beneficial within the approved public art statement. Policy and Public Art Code occupation of the relevant phases of - That at an agreed time (to'be specified I - Explanation of the artist's role in the master the development in the clause which, for example, planning process WORDING OF PlANNING CONDITIONS - That at an agreed time (to be specified in could be prior to the occupation of the - Descriptions ofwork that will be AND OBLIGATIONS the clause which, for example, could be development or after the developer has I realised through collaboration between upon the commencement of development) maintained the buildings and land for the appointed artist, any other artists, In accordance with the above the planning the developer allocates an index-linked a year) the developer will provide the architects and other design professionals conditions and/or planning obligations could sum (to be specified in the clause) either Council with a maintenance and de I (The .conceptual and material details of request the following: retained by the developer or paid to commissioning schedule for public art which are to be included within reserved Taunton Deane Borough Council (to be within buildings and land that are to be matters planning applications) - That in accordance with the approved specified in the clause) for the development maintained by either the developer or - Any programme of on-site and off-site public art statementthe conceptual and and implementation of temporary public the Council. I temporary public art material details of public art relating to the art commissions, managed by either the - That at an agreed time (to be specified - Timescales for the development and development's buildings and public realm developer or the Borough Council (to be in the clause which, for example, implementation of all the public art are to be submitted for approval specified in the clause) in accordance could be prior to the occupation of the I commissions by Taunton Deane Borough Council with the programme described within the development or after the developer has - Details offurther commissioning processes as part of relevant reserved matters approved public art statement maintained the buildings and land for a for any other artists planning applications - That at an agreed time (to be specified ln year) and In accordance with the agreed I - Any training opportunities for less - That subsequent to the above, any further the clause which, for example, could be maintenance and de-commissioning experienced artists and public conceptual and material details of public upon the commencement of development) schedule the developer will pay an index art managers art relating to the development's buildings the developer allocates an index-linked linked sum (taken from the schedule and I - Details ofownership, insurance, and public realm are to be submitted to, sum (to be specified in the clause) either specified in the clause) to t he Council for maintenance and de-commissioning of and approved by, Taunton Deane retained by the developer or paid to the the maintenance and de-commissioning public art Borough Council prior to commencement Council (to be specified in the clause) for ofpublic art within buildings or land - Budget allocations relating to all of of development the development and implementation of adopted by the Local Authority (including I the above - That subsequent to the above, the local training initiatives relating to public the Local Highway Authority) - 'Trigger' points for delivering public art approved conceptual and material details art, managed by eitherthe developer or the I 6 THE PUBllC llFE Of PUBLIC SPACE The Taunton Deane Public Art Code I I I PUBLIC ART PROCESS ■ FOR AFUll PlANNING APPllCATION I I Process Actions Pre-full Planning Application discussions. • Developer appoints public art expertise - lead artist/s and/or public art consultants as I • appropriate - to oversee the development and implementation of a public art statement. • Artist/s appointed as appropriate. I Developer carries out pre-application public consultation. Artist/s conceptual and material details included within architect/landscape' architect's • drawings, public art statement and design and access statement. Full Planning Application submitted. I • Public art expertise and artist/s identify a programme, budget and management • for temporary public art and other activities (on and/or off development site). I • Submission of Public Art Statement with Design and Access statement and other information. I Local authority managed consultation. Public Art Statement included in consultation process. Review of public art statement by LA public art expertise, comments to LA Planning Officer. I Determination of Planning Application by LA Planning Officer/Committee. • Planning Obligations and conditions agreed I • Clauses to be included that secure the implementation of conceptual and material details of • the artist/s contribution to buildings and the public realm. I • Clauses to be included that identify budget and management for programme of temporary public art and other activities included within the public art statement (on and/or off I development site). Further conceptual and material details of artist/s contribution to buildings and the public I realm submitted to and approved by the TDBC prior to commencement of development. Conceptual and material details of artist/s contribution to buildings and the public realm Occupation of Development. realised prior to occupation of the development. I The Taunton Deane Public Art Code THE PUBllC LIFE OF PUBLIC SPACE 7 I CONTENT OF I PUBLIC ART STATEMENT: FUll PlANNING APPllCATION I I I A public art statement for a major development site requiring a full planning permission could contain the same information as for an outline planning application, plus conceptual and material details of public art integrated I within the development's buildings and public realm. WORDING OF PLANNING CONDITIONS (to be specified in the clause) for the maintained the buildings and land for I AND OBLIGATIONS development and implementation of a year) the developer will provide the temporary public art commissions, Local Authority with a maintenance and managed by either the developer or de-commissioning schedule for public art Planning conditions and/or obligations I the Local Authority (to be specified could request the following: within buildings and land that are to be in the clause) in accordance with maintained by either the developer or the the programme described within the Local Authority. That any further conceptual and material I approved public art statement. details of public art identified with the That at an agreed time (to be specified approved public art statement and That at an agreed time (to be specified relating to the development's buildings in the clause which, for example, in the clause which, for example, I and public realm are to be submitted to could be prior to the occupation of the could be upon the commencement of and approved by the Local Authority prior development or after the developer has development) the developer allocates maintained the buildings and land for a to commencement of development. an index-linked sum (to be specified year) and in accordance with the agreed I in the clause) either retained by the maintenance and de-commissioning That subsequent to the above the developer or paid to the Local Authority . schedule the developer will pay an index approved conceptual and material details (to be specified in the clause) for the linked sum (taken from the schedule and of public art relating to the development's I development and implementation of specified in the clause) to the Council for buildings and public realm are to be local training initiatives relating to public implemented prior to the beneficial the maintenance and de-commissioning art, managed by either the developer of public art within buildings or land Top: Taunton town centre occupation of the relevant phases of the I or the Local Authority (to be specified entertainment. development. adopted by the Local Authority (including in the clause) in accordance with the Local Highway Authority) Middl~: Glazing in the programme described within the C3ncer Centre, Musgrova That at an agreed time (to be specified approved public art statement. Park Hospital by I in the clause which, for example, Ann0 Smyth. could be upon the commencement of That at an agreed time (to be specified Got1orn: Carn1v;,I Day nl development) the developer allocates in the clause which, for example, , 0 Pard1es Feslival, I an index-linked sum (to be specified could be prior to the occupation of the WNeliscombe, in the clause) either retained by the development or after the developer has developer or paid to the Local Authority I 8 THE PUBLIC LIFE OF PUBLIC SPACE The Taunton Deane Public Art Code I I I PUBLIC ART PROCESS ■ FOR COMMUTED FUNDING FROM DEVELOPERS I I Process • Actions Pre-full or Outline Planning Application discussions. Developer may or may not choose to appoint a public art consultant to assist in I negotiation of a commuted sum for public art. Developer carries out Pre-Application Public Consultation. I • Agreed sum based on cost of public art initiatives to deliver infrastructure··' and public realm Full or Outline Planning Application submitted. • enhancements related to the development and integrated within the development site or integrated within place-wide public realm and other plans adopted and promoted by the I LA. Sum to be secured within a S106 planning obligation. I Local authority managed consultation. • All S106 Planning Obligations included within consultation process. Determination of Planning Application by LA Planning Officer/Committee. S106 Planning Obligations agreed. I Public art sum paid to the LA at a stage stated within the public art clause within the S106 • Agreement. I Local authority reports how the commuted sums were used and any action to • acknowledge/credit the contributing developers. I I I I Occupation of Development. I The Taunton Deane Public Art Code THE PUBLIC LIFE Of PU~UC SPACE 9 I PUBLIC ART PROCESS FOR I COMMUTED FUNDING FROM DEVELOPERS I I Commuted funding could apply to planning permission is sought based on developments requiring either outline BCIS data. For commuted funding it may I and reserved matters or full planning not be necessary for the developer to permissions, which are not seen as appoint public art expertise, as negotiations having significant impact on the social could be undertaken directly between the and physical characteristics of places. developer and the Borough, where, for I In these cases, public art expertise and example, a public art initiative relevant planning officers within the Council and to the place-wide public realm has been developers could agree that developers identified and developed by the Borough or I make financial contributions to be used its agents and partners. to deliver infrastructure and public realm enhancements related to the development WORDING OF PLANNING CONDITIONS I through public art initiatives integrated within the development site or be used AND OBLIGATIONS to contribute to place-wide public realm I and other plans adopted and promoted A planning obligation within a Section 106 by the Borough to support and promote agreement could request the following: successful development. In these cases it is anticipated that an appropriate That at an agreed time (to be specified I Section 106 Agreement will accompany in the clause which, for example, any planning permission granted for the could be upon the signing ofthe S106 development. agreement or upon the commencement I of development) the developer agrees The sums should be determined in to pay an index-linked sum (to be relation to the costs of the initiatives. specified in the clause) to the Council Top: Entertainment 1n I the psrl1, Taunton. The costs could be applied to either to be used to deliver infrastructure and one or proportionately to a number of public realm enhancements through Bottom: Collage by developments. In the case of the latter, the public art initiatives integrated within &lra Rustin at West the development site or be used to Somersi:t Railway I sums could be based on the gross internal Station, Bishop Lydeard. floor-area provided by developments. In all contribute to place-wide public realm cases the agreed financial contribution/s and other plans adopted and promoted I pooled in this way should amount to the by the Borough and identified within the value of one percent of the construction Council's public art policy and strategy. costs of the development for which I 10 THE PUBLIC LIFE OF PUBLIC SPACE The Taunton Deane Public Art Code I I I WORKING WITH ARTISTS I I I Action I I All developers in Taunton Deane are expected to adopt best practice in securing a public art contribution to development. The following approaches are encouraged in all developments. Selection of the appropriate approaches, given the specific circumstances of each development, should be discussed at pre-application I stage with Taunton Deane's planners and arts officers: - Artist involvement at master plan and concept design stages of development as creative thinkers to contribute I to shaping the concept and detailed design for the scheme working with the other members of the team I - Artist/s as makers of temporary or permanent objects and events I - Creative community engagement - Public art agencies or consultants as advisers and project managers particularly where development I is complex, involves a number of co-ordinated commissions or large scale or high profile projects - Working with partners, such as Somerset College, to develop mentor and professional I development opportunities Top: Shop art Showcase - Consideration of environmental and sustainable development best practice with performers Tom Mansfield and Tom I Willoughby. Taunton - Visual documentation of the process and outcomes Middle: Artist Michael I Fairfax Bottom: Jubilee Gates. Wivel1scombe I I The Taunton Deane Public Art Code THE PUBLIC LIFE OF PUBLIC SPACE 11 I I I I Developers should always consider artists In Appendix A some of the many different and cultural organisations active in the ways that artists can add value to I local and regional creative industries development are outlined to illustrate the economy as well as working with artists great variety of approaches possible when based elsewhere in the UK or abroad. employing artists on the development team. I Developers are strongly encouraged to Appendix B summarises some of the consider artists who can contribute to distinctive skills that artists can bring to sustainable development and sustainable the development process. I lifestyles through, for example, innovation in creative use of recycled and waste materials, energy efficiency and low I impaqt construction methods and awareness raising through creative community engagement. I Developers should expect artists working as part of their teams in Taunton Deane to be aware of the context of growth and I change in the Borough and understand the commercial and physical realities of development. They should also understand I and be enthusiastic about contributing to the sustainability agenda in Taunton Deane. Public participation for Entry Level, Brswhouse Theatre. I Developers should expect artists to have Taunton. Photo by artist: some of the same skills as would be Simon Lee D:cker. expected of anyone else working on the I design and delivery of the development: team working, communicating ideas effectively, meeting deadlines, budget control and so on. However artists can also I bring other valuable skills into the design and creation of the built environment and the public realm. I 12 THE PUBUC LIFE OF PUBUC SPACE The Taunton Deane Public Art Code I I I THE I COMMISSION PLAN 2009 I CREATIVE RATIONALE I Action I All proposals for integrated public art should respond to the creative rationale and three themes of Play Knowledge Nature to inspire public art approaches. I The Public Life of Public Space is the the cultural life, conviviality, prosperity Nature creative rationale underpinning the Code. and distinctiveness of Taunton Deane Nature is the final theme underpinning This has been adopted to achieve: regeneration in Taunton Deane encompassing the balance between nature I ■ High quality design and distinctive PLAY,KNOWLEDGE, NATURE and built and managed environments - the development through involving artists urban and the rural. in the planning, design and construction Play I ofthe public realm and the built environment In The Public Life of Public Space, play is about creating places that are joyful ■ Design and creation of sustainable high and encourage spontaneous and open I quality environments that encourage ended activity. It is also about bringing encounter and positive social interaction the characteristics of play - imagination, between people innovation, social contact and mental and I physical health - into daily and public life ■ Creative community engagement of for all ages and abilities. people of all ages and backgrounds to play an active role in regeneration and Knowledge I the development of their communities Knowledge is the second theme that reaches across the spectrum of Top: Victon:i Park, Taunton Pi1oto Caroline Corle. ■ Sustainable development and sustainable regeneration and development: knowledge I lifestyles so that Taunton Deane is of climate change, new media and Midd!a: Ent1,rta1nmcnt ,n renowned as an attractive place to live, technologies, new knowledge economies T:::unton town centre. work, invest and visit with a high quality and new learning. Knowledge links childhood with adulthood. It begins with Bottom: Sustrans. Cycling I of life for everyone a!ong stripes flowers. learning through play to employing the ■ Animation of streets and public spaces skills of professionals and local people alike I through creative activity to foster in creating ·a sustainable built and natural sustainable communities and promote environment. I The Taunton Deane Public Art Code THE PUBUC llfE Of PUBllC SPACE 13 Top: Routes, River, R:::.I artworl< by Sua Palme::r. M.ddle: Sue P.::!mer, laad STRATEGIC I SUES artist for Routes, R,ve:;r, Rad study. THE PRIORITIES Bottom: River Pam:tl (re)visited pro;c:ct. Artis! Simon I ee D:ckcr. www.riverparrettrcvisitcd. org.uk Public art can play an important part in ROUTES RIVER RAil : work and commercial activity. the ap·proach to a wide range of strategic CONNECTIVITY + lEGIBlllTY Taunton Deane Borough Council have I issues affecting the overall quality and commissioned a Connectivity + Legibility success of development. In Taunton Deane - guidance to improve and enhance way the following issues have been identified Action ' finding and help create a coordinated I as strategic priorities relevant to all public realm across Taunton. developers: All developers are expected to respond to the outcomes The purpose of the guidance is to: ■ Connectivity of the extensive networks I of the Connectivity + Legibility of pedestrian, bus, cycle, road and rail ■ Contribute to quality of place - what routes in Taunton and other towns and Guidance associated with the makes Taunton special and distinctive along the River Tone and Bridgwater · Commission Plan and integrate its I and Taunton Canals recommendations into design and ■ Increase connectivity and legibility delivery of individual sites. between development sites ..., ■ Legibility given the physical I transformation caused by town centre ■ Coordinate public realm treatments redevelopments and creation of entire The scale of development across Taunton across development sites in Taunton new neighbourhoods through the Deane provides an exceptional opportunity I proposed urban extensions to create an outstanding network of ■ Guide an holistic approach to the design, pedestrian routes and cycle ways from quality and user experience of the public ■ Design for Animation so that the public town and country linking, for example, realm realm and built environment are designed Taunton Station, the planned urban I extensions and the new park and rides inclusive of multiple end uses from the ■ Take account of the cultural identities of earliest stage of planning with the town centre and the river and the people of Taunton canal side promenades. I Enhancing the legibility of routes and transport connections and the quality of I experience of the people using the public realm are strategic priorities. Artists can help create a network of safe, attractive and I accessible pedestrian routes, cycle ways and public transport nodes that link people with communities, places of recreation, I 14 THE PUBUC llFE OF PUBUC SPACE The Taunton Deane Public Art Code I I • ANIMATING TAUNTON DEANE'S ■ STREETS AND PUBLIC SPACES I I Action I It is essential that all developers are aware that design of buildings, public spaces and infrastructure supports the use of cultural activity in streets, public spaces and areas of buildings or developments which are literally or I visually accessible to the public. Animating new and existing public spaces communities can come together to· Grow the Creative Industry economy through cultural activity is important for experience and enjoy the public, civic I sustainable and successful development. and cultural life of Taunton Deane Stimulate involvement of residents A range of partners promote a wide cultural and businesses in regeneration programme. Developers are not required In particular the Borough wishes to by the Code to contribute financially to develop what is special and distinctive in Explore heritage and history and I cultural events. local culture and the cultural identity and imagine the future expression of the people and communities However developers are required to provide living in the Borough. Create positive uses for temporarily I public spaces that have the characteristics vacant sites and buildings and facilities to attract people and support Taunton Deane wants to enjoy a high profile a wide range of cultural activities. locally, regionally and nationally for the Taunton Deane Borough Council I conviviality and distinctiveness of its public will lead the expansion of the existing Taunton Deane Borough Council has realm and cultural life. This is because a events and cultural programme in adopted this approach to the design of the high quality programme of temporary and partnership with Taunton Cultural I built environment and the public realm in community events and activity can: Partnership and the Cultural Consortium, order to: Taunton Town Centre Company, Somerset Profile the quality and distinctiveness of College, artists and cultural organisations Influence the design of public space to individual developments and of Taunton and community groups. I encourage social interaction and facilitate and the borough as a whole cultural activities of many kinds Create the cultural 'buzz' characteristic Top: Dancing by the Market I Create 'shared spaces' where culture of successful towns and cities House, Taunton. and creativity foster communication and exchange between people and place Attract visitors and residents Middle: Street Jam, East I Taunton. Create places where individuals and Add value to commercial developments Bottom: Taunton Carnival. I The Taunton Deane Public Art Code THE PUBllC llFE OF PUBUC SPACE15 Top: four of Bnt:::1n I Tounion. Middle: Flower Show. Taunton. I Bottom: Aller Fire Show by Fuss Performance. I I The concil plans to coordinate a regular and encouraging a vital and inclusive BEST PRACTICE 'public life of public space audit' of Taunton contemporary culture. I town centre with the Cultural Consortium Lakes Alive! Cumbria. and other partners to identify priority The cultural programme includes the Seattle Summer Streets. locations and types of infrastructure that Taunton Flower Show, Somerset Art Art at the Centre, Reading. I could facilitate delivery of an animation Week, Courts Festival, Taunton Carnival, C2K: Leeds Liverpool Canal MPA. programme. Energise and other events organised by Montreal High Lights Festival. Taunton Cultural Consortuim including Somerset Art Works. I This 'audit' will identify, provision of Taunton Town Centre Company, Somerset Taunton Flower Show. exterior power sources; propose use of College, the Museum for Somerset and Taunton Carnival. exterior walls for projections and light The Brewhouse Theatre & Arts Centre; and WiMBY! Hoogvliet, Netherlands. I shows amongst other specifications; ensures the Borough is profiled in regional De Strip Vlaardingen Netherlands. make recommendations on siting of street and national events such as the Cultural Akay and Peter: Urban Recreation. furniture and other fixed public realm Olympiad 2012. elements to allow for 'audiences' and I procession through the town centre and Sponsorship and M arketing safe use of skateboards and cycles; and The cultural programme is funded from on the provision for markets, busking and public sector and charitable sources I other temporary uses of public space. and through commercial sponsorship. Developers are welcome to contribute to The recommendations of the 'public life the cultural programme as sponsors of I of public space audit' noted above will be events or as part of their marketing and made available to developers. public relations strategies e.g. for creative marketing, to celebrate key stages in the The cultural programme will invest in development process or increase public I existing local cultural activity of all sorts awareness of development proposals. The as well as new or specially commissioned Taunton Deane Arts Officer can advise on work - amateur and professional, sports, sponsorship opportunities. I arts, heritage, new media and traditional skills, parks and gardens, walking and cycling, skateboarding and busking. It aims I to develop what is special and distinctive in local culture, respecting the past whilst reinventing tradition for the 21st century I 16 THE PUBUC UFE Of PUBLIC SPACE The Taunton Deane Public Art Code I I Top: Priory Bridge. F1repool I Tmmton. Middle: River Tone al SITE SPECIFIC GUIDANCE Flrepool. looking east. Taunton. Photo Phil 81satt I Bollom: Oave!opment Sites. TJunton. I I Action I This section sets out guidance for each of the major development sites in Taunton: - Firepool I - Firepool Lock - Cultural Quarter - Tangier I - High Street and East I All developers should take account of the recommendations in preparing responses to the Public Art Code. Proposals should take account of the recommendations of the Connectivity + Legibility Guidance @ Firepool 00 Cultural Quarter I The work should be guided by the creative rationale of this strategy and involve consultation with Taunton Deane Borough Council's planners and arts officer from the pre-application stage. @ Tangier I 00 Town Centre Retail St Modwen's scheme offers many quality architecture and significant public opportunities for public art to add to the spaces along the route from north to south FIREPOOL quality of the built environment and to starting at the station, moving into the I people's experience of a high quality Vision town centre and over a new cycle and public realm, both urban and green, with footbridge across the River Tone. There Firepool is the strategic employment site civic spaces for events and retail activity, linking Taunton railway station in the north is also an important public art opportunity I walk and cycle ways and extensive river in the design of the new square to the to the River Tone and the town centre. St frontage as well as the major refurbishment Modwen, the UK's leading regeneration east looking across the Tone towards the of the station. residential development on the Bridgwater specialist, has been appointed by Project I Taunton to deliver this strategic site and and Taunton Canal at Firepool Lock. The Council expects public art to make Public art can also make a major proposes to integrate public art commissions significant contributions to the success and contribution to orientation along the river and approaches across the development. I vitality of the 'people orientated' boulevard walk/cycle ways, linking this development at the heart of the development with high into the continuous waterfront extending I The Taunton Deane Public Art Code THE PUBllC llFE OF PUBUC SPACE 11 I I I I to both west and east of Firepool, and - Consider opportunities for creative use of - Taunton Station: New transport interchange ensuring the river becomes the focus of JCT capacity and Station Square I the new Taunton. - Integrate individual commissions using - Station Boulevard and other pedestrian and sustainable environmental and building cycle routes There are considerable opportunities for technologies - Priory Bridge Square: linking Station I experiment and innovation in sustainable - Identify opportunities for artists to collaborate Boulevard to the riverside promenade public art practice in many aspects ofthe with architects on the design of key and bridge development as Firepool sets a UK standard buildings including multi storey car parks - Firepool Weir: to the east towards Firepool for quality and innovation in sustainable - Identify temporary and creative community Lock and the Pump House I development with pedestrian and cycle engagement projects - Bridges over the Tone and the railway friendiy access, plans for combined heat - Design and external treatment of multi- and power generation and carbon neutral The lead artist/s and public art consultant will storey car parks I buildings and a well used and active identify strategic opportunities for a public public realm. art approach to contribute most effectively to Temporary and Engagement successful development as an integral part Commissions I Recommendation of the master plan process. The identification - Artist with Somerset Waste to survey site to The developer should retain a public art of opportunities should be guided by the reclaim waste materials for re-use consultant/agency to appoint a lead artist/s creative rationale of this strategy and involve - Temporary uses ofvacant sites and buildings I as member/s of the master plan design consultation with Taunton Deane Borough for community and cultural activity team. The role of the lead artist/s initially Council's planners and arts officer and other - Creative writing/multimedia project is to contribute to the concept design and stakeholders, particularly Network Rail and involving inter-generational groups (schools, the master plan overall from, for example, First Great Western. retirement homes, local history groups) I Station Square along Station Boulevard exploring the history and community to Priory Bridge Square and the riverside Once the master plan, including the memory of the site and aspirations for the promenade to: Top: Hoyte hoardings, I opportunities for artists to add value to the future Bristol. scheme, has been agreed the lead artist/s - Artists and local people to document - Aid orientation into and through the site and public art consultant can then scope . development for creative marketing and Middle: Coal Orchard - Help design spaces and facilities that foster individual briefs for specific sites or roles and archive Bridge, River tone. I civic and public activity recruit other artists as appropriate given the - Use of hoardings/billboard Bottom: Goodland - Consider design of paving, street furniture, demands of particular commissions. Gardens. Taunton. lighting and infrastructure for events and Potential Resources and Partners I activities in public spaces and outdoor Priority sites within the public realm most Developer Contribution projections likely to benefit from a public art approach Heritage Lottery Fund - Innovate in tree and other planting proposals have been identified as: I 18 THE PUBUC llFE OF PUBLIC SPACE The Taunton Deane Public Art Code I I I I I I FIREPOOl lOCK BEST PRACTICE Electric Wharf Coventry David Patten with MUF. I Recommendation liminal Frances Crow and David Prior The Cotswold Water Park: - ArtisVlandscape architect collaboration Possible Futures. on design and delivery of the proposed 'This would never happen in Accrington ... or could it?' Elevate I informal park and 'play' space for older East Lancashire. children associated with residential Lead Artist Commissioning Strategy for Fraserburgh Public development adjacent to the River Tone Realm Project. I - Commission of individual art work to Phoenix Project .Coventry. respond or complement designs for east Leicester Cultural Mapping Public Art Programme. square at Firepool Art on Transport: Nexus, the passenger transport executive for - Lighting scheme for Pump House Tyne and Wear. I Blue Carpet. Newcastle Upon Tyne: Thomas Heatherwick Studio Temporary and Engagement in collaboration with City Council. Commissions Pro1ect Stadthalten Leipzig: temporary Talking Shop Mid Pennine I - Creative community engagement project Arts: 'Engaging the business community in regeneration through inspired by the Pump House e.g. Your arts based approaches.· Heritage or Young Roots scheme building Travelling Sand 2008 Apeldoorn The Netherlands. I on the schools design project already Pennine Lancashire Squared: An international design competition completed by Gadd Homes to develop a series of magical. inspirational public spaces across - Construction hoardings project six Pennine Lancashire towns. I Thurrock: A Visionary Brief in the Thames Gateway General Potentail Resources Public Agency. Top: Pump House.Firepool WiMBY! Welcome into my backyard! Hoogvliet Netherlands. Lock. Natalie Parsley work Developer Contributions placemen! ar1Is1 I Heritage Lottery Fund Past Present Fuschia Ralph Hoyte for Bristol Alliance. Middle: Boston Pendulum by Paul Robbrecht. Photo PASW I Bottom: Young Champions planning workshop. Pro1ect I Taunton I The Taunton Deane Public Art Code THE PUBllC llFE OF PUBLIC SPACE 19 I Top: Cricket Ground, Taunton. Middle: The Brewhouse Theatre and Arts Centre, Taunton Botton: Taunton Castle I home to the Museum of Somerset. I and cultural activities. It is also a significant public art agency/consultant to contribute I CUlTURAl wildlife corridor where artists working to concept design and delivery. The role of with environmental issues and natural the lead artist and consultant is to contribute materials can help reconcile potentially to the concept design ofthe new build/ I QUARTER competing uses. refurbishment scheme working with the other members of the design team. Vision The opportunity here is to pool developer The lead artisVs and consultant will also Public art can contribute significantly to contributions with public and charitable identify during the master plan phase the I enhancing this area as an active, distinctive, funds to create a 'joined up' series of specific commission opportunities to be well-used and attractive destination for commissions in the built and natural integrated into the scheme or creative visitors and residents alike. environments and a year round, all weather community engagement opportunities I cultural offer of events and activity. to take place during the development This area is part ofthe historic and programme. The consultant can co-ordinate contemporary heart of the town extending Innovative use of recycled materials and a delivery of an agreed programme and the I from Priory Bridge and linking the Firepool strikingly contemporary creative response to works or activities can be delivered by strategic employment site to the Tangier the heritage and history of Taunton is already either the lead artisVs or other creative professional/residential redevelopment. evident in Gordon Young's collaboration with professionals depending on the nature of the I It includes independent shops and LOA to design unique benches for Castle work involved. These developments include: restaurants; the Brewhouse Theatre and Green complementing the new Museum Arts Centre adjoining the new Somerset for Somerset. Artist Simon Lee Dicker has - Large format retail development north of Square; bridges and riverside walks past influenced the design of Somerset Square the river as an extension of the town centre I Morrison's supermarket and the waterside and the spatial relationship with - Bus station and co-ordinated series of bus residential development associated with the Brewhouse Theatre and Arts Centre stop and park and ride commissions the new extended international standard through creative and playful community - The Brewhouse Theatre and Arts Centre I ground, stands and cricket school ofthe consultation. Both commissions set - New bridge linking Castle Green through County Cricket Club. Investment of over precedents for the future. Goodland Gardens to the north bank of the £5m is already transforming Somerset Tone: artist I LOA Design collaboration I County Museum Into a major cultural visitor Recommendation attraction and Castle Green is becoming Concept Design and Permanent Temporary and Engagement Commissions a 'hub' for events, markets and outdoor Commissions - Co-ordinated year round programme of I entertainment. A number of major new build/refurbishment cultural activity schemes and a new bridge are proposed - Temporary works in natural and recycled The River Tone is the focus here for a within the Cultural Quarter. In each case the materials I convivial mix ofdistinctive shopping, leisure developer should appoint a lead artisVs and - Licence temporarily untenanted shops 20 THE PUBLIC LIFE OF PUBLIC SPACE I The Taunton Deane Public Art Code I I I I I for use by e.g. artists, students, local BEST PRACTICE societies, community groups - Artist-led curation of museum collections Visserijplein Market Square Rotterdam: I working with local communities and schools West 8. - Sustainable lighting winter festival Castle Green, Taunton: Gordon Young - Bus station creative engagement project for LOA. I Brewhouse Arts Centre and Theatre / Somerset Square Taunton: Potential Resources and Parblers Simon Lee Dicker. Developer Contributions for build/ Wandie Trail: Andrew Sabin. I refurbishment schemes Third Bridge: Noah Rose. Pooled Developer Contributions Making Waves: Ray Smith. Taunton Deane BC Puppy: Jeff Koons. I Somerset County Museum Play or Rewind, Siena: Cliostraat. Cultural Consortium The Public Life of Public Space. Cultural organisations The Taunton Deane Public Art Code. I Cultural Olympiad Environment Agency Nature and environmental charities Sustrans I Somerset College First Bus Stagecoach I The Brewhouse Theatre and Arts Centre Children·s Waiting Area Screen in A&E, Musgrove Park Hospital by Dail I Behenna~ I I I The Taunton Deane Public Art Code THE PUBUC llFE OF PUBLIC SPACE 21 I - Invite Somerset College and the Genesis BEST PRACTICE Construction Centre to develop a TANGIER partnership with developer Staiths South Bank, Tyneside. - Light or kinetic commissions around Vision HemingwayDesign for Taylor Wimpey French Weir powered by water energy Tangier forms a virtual 'island' surrounded Homes. and potentially linked to flood alleviation by water, encircled with cycle and walk . Wood Street Bridge Cardiff: Adrian Stewart systems ways and crossed by the Third Way. Tangier (of DO-Architecture). - Artist and ecologist appointed as members will house smaller scale commercial and Nine Mile Run Pittsburgh. I of the design team/s or an architecV residential developments whilst across What's Missing? What Works? Open artist collaboration to contribute to the Mill Stream more large-scale retail Spaces within housing estates Thurrock comprehensive design of residential development is possible. The opportunity Council, MUF. I developments including architecture, open here is to encourage innovation in Barton Hill, Bristol: David Cotterell. space distribution and use, paving, setting, housing design, to contribute to large Sovereign Housing. lighting, planting scale engineering led bridge design and 3 Rivers 2nd Nature Pennsylvania. I to complete an important 'loop' of the Borneo Sporenburg housing Amsterdam Temporary and Engagement Waterway and Wayfinding cycle/walk way Netherlands. Commissions connecting walkers and cyclists both 'in' to Xochimilco Park Mexico. - Artist placement with the Environment I the town centre and 'out' to the urban green Soundwalkmap liminal. Agency and/or British Waterways to use wedges and open countryside. creative community engagement, for example, to raise awareness of flooding I Recommendation - Mentor opportunity for students Concept Design and Permanent of Somerset College to shadow Commissions commissioned artists and develop student Public and private sector developers should Top: River Festival in I projecVs for elements within walk/ cycle instruct a public art agency/consultants French Wier, Taunton. routes or other commissions to take forward an integrated approach Bottom: Goodland involving: gardens Bridge. Taunton. I Potential Resources and Partners Somerset County Council - Land form and lighting commission Developer Contributions integrated into Third Way bridges Somerset College I - Invite environmental house builder Environment Agency to collaborate with artists to build British Waterways demonstration sustainable homes Environmental charities I 22 THE PUBllC llFE OF PUBllC SPACE The Taunton Deane Public Art Code I I Top: Taunton r1tgt1 Street. Photo Caroline Corte. I Middle: The Hammet Window by Michael Fairfax. Fore Street. Taunton. I Bo1tom Library e ntrance, Taunton I I to add value at an early stage to concept TAUNTON Recommendation and detailed design and plan a co-ordinated Concept Design and Permanent approach to integrating commissions and I Commissions creative community engagement projects. TOWN CENTRE The developer should retain a public art These are: consultant/agency to appoint a lead artist/s - Major retail development: design and I Vision as member/s of the master plan design surface treatments of internal circulation High Street and East Street will be re team. The primary role ofthe lead artist/s is routes and spaces, external form plus invented through a large-scale new retail initially to contribute to the concept design the 'entry/exit' points at which the public development plus extensive improvements and the master plan overall. realm meets private space, commission I to the public realm including more priority of kinetic or interactive works within retail for buses, cycles and pedestrians along The lead artist/s and public art consultant development and external treatments of North Street and East Street as well as will also identify strategic opportunities for multi-storey car parks, conceptual design I , comprehensive improvements to the cluster a public art approach to contribute most and fit out of publicly accessible spaces of historic streets centred on the Parade: effectively to successful development as within the development to maximise High Street, North Street, Corporation an integral part of the master plan process. potential for safe and cost effective use I Street, Fore Street, Hammet Street and the The identification of opportunities should in future for planned and spontaneous Church Square. be guided by the creative rationale of this cultural activity strategy and involve consultation with - Potential relocation ofTaunton Library I There is an opportunity here to encourage Taunton Deane Borough Council's planners within retail development or to another site strong links with Castle Green and the and arts officer and other stakeholders. - Artist to work with design team/s river through way finding commissions responsible for street improvements to as well as encouraging use of Vivary Once the master plan, including the influence the overall design approach and I Park as an important green space in the opportunities for artists to add value to the identify a cohesive series of commissions town centre. There are opportunities for scheme, has been agreed the lead artist/s to encourage encounter, increase legibility, public art commissions within the new and public art consultant can then scope give opportunities for 'people watching', I shopping development and Taunton individual briefs for specific sites or roles and provide places to rest and places for small Library, if it is relocated as a consequence recruit other artists as appropriate given the scale performance e.g. local musicians of development. Commissions can be demands of particular commissions. encouraged to perform and programmed I integrated throughout the new public realm by existing business entrepreneurs; and to enhance the Parade and Vivary Park There are key opportunities in North Street, skateboarders, cyclists and others given as important spaces for temporary events High Street and East Street for a lead artist/s opportunities to perform in public space I and as 'hub' destinations for local residents working with a public art consultant/agency and co-ordinated commissions to mark and visitors. and the other members of the design team bus routes and bus stops I The Taunton Deane Public Art Code THE PUBUC llFE OF PUBLIC SPACE 23 I I I I Temporary and Engagement BEST PRACTICE Commissions I - Creative community engagement project Cabot Circus, Bristol. linked to any re-location of the Library with Oracle Shopping Centre, Reading. outcomes influencing the design of the Central Library Seattle: Rem Koolhaas. I new facility and development of integrated Peckham Library and Media Centre: Alsop commissions and Stormer. - Artist led small and large scale planting Hidden Gardens. Glasgow: nva. I commissions in Vivary Park and streets incLINE Grey Street Newcastle upon Tyne: Trudi Entwistle. Potential Resources and Partners In Certain Places Preston: Alfredo Jaar and I Developer Contributions Charles Quick with Grosvenor Ltd. Somerset County Council The Arcades Project: A 3D Documentary. TDBC Jennie Savage for Saint David's 2 I Taunton Town Centre Company Partnership. TDBC parks department EPF / Kirkstone I I Light work on I Multistorey Car Park, Musgrove Park Hospital by Peter Freeman I I I 24 THE PUBllC llFE OF PUBLIC SPACE The Taunton Deane Public Art Code I I I APPENDICES I I I APPENDIX A appropriate skills and experience to work timeline and build process. These could Creative Co-ordination WORKING WITH ARTISTS with the built environment professionals be carried out either by the original lead Developers may appoint lead artist/s or artist such as architects, engineers, landscape artist or other creative professionals led organisation and/or public art agency/ architects, quantity surveyors and so on where, for example, specific skills (e.g. I There are many different ways that artists consultant to prepare and co-ordinate who make up the normal master plan/ can contribute to successful development. making street furniture or glass works, delivery of site-specific commission plans design team or project steering group. creating digital content) or experience This appendix describes some tried and in response to a pre-existing master plan. The lead artist/s must understand the I tested working methods that have added (e.g. creating temporary events to consult The public art consultant .will organise all development's objectives and the time or entertain local people, building in the value to many developments in the UK practical aspects of recruiting and employing and budgetary constraints on its delivery. and worldwide. infrastructure to support digital work or artists and ensure the works are delivered I staging of events) are needed. to the development programme and within ■ The lead artist's role is to contribute to budget. WAYS OF WORKING WITH shaping the concept and detailed design ■ A public art consultant/agency may THE DEVELOPMENT TEAM for the scheme. also be appointed at the outset by The artist/architect collaboration I the developer to deal with all practical The developer may want or be legally Creative Collaboration: Artist/s as ■ The lead artist is appointed on the same aspects of the appointment and required to appoint the master plan or integral member/s of the master plan or basis as any other consultant with fees integration of a public art approach into design team through competitive tender. In I design team paid for the number of days' involvement the development. The consultant will Taunton Deane the brief may specify that ■ Development opportunities often involve in the design phase of the scheme as also support and work with the lead the team should include an artist/s and the a bidding or competition stage where appropriate. The result of this work may, artist/s and the master plan/design team tender package could include the Code. I speculative work is required from the for example, influence decisions about or project steering group throughout the developer and the members of the things that would be a normal part of delivery of the development. Individual commissions prospective master plan or design team. any development such as selection of Artists make individual commissioned I Some tender opportunities require materials, the colour palette, the design ■ The public art consultant will also prepare works for specific sites. These might inclusion of an artist/s or artist led of planting schemes and the power and and co-ordinate delivery of a site-specific be tangible artworks whether sculpture, organisation to be included within the infrastructure facilities needed in public commission plan i.e. a structured and fountains, glass or ironwork and so on to be team; others require production of design spaces or may affect the spatial design of creative approach to integrating public art sited permanently within the public realm. I concepts prior to formal appointment of a the development and assumptions about works, temporary commissions and/or Commissions could also be for temporary preferred developer. Developers approach how people will use the public spaces community engagement projects into the . works or activities, for example, to stimulate artist/s and seek their involvement at this created. physical build and delivery ofthe scheme. positive uses of temporarily vacant sites or I preliminary stage to ensure the strongest The public art consultant will organise use empty buildings or vacant shops for response to the tender opportunity. ■ This 'creative ideas' role can lead to all aspects of recruiting and employing creative activity. integration into the development of artists and ensure the works are delivered I Once a development contract has been specific commissions or projects requiring to the development programme and formally awarded developers appoint a the skills of the artist or other creative within budget. lead artist/s or artist led organisation with professionals. These projects would then I be integrated into the development's The Taunton Deane Public Art Code THE PUBUC UFE Of PUBIIC SPACE 25 Community engagement developments and can make new public ■ Infusing meaning as well as utilitarian ■ Engaging people who do not have built I Artists can be commissioned to devise . spaces attractive to and well used by a wide function into the design of the public environment skills in the process of and lead community engagement projects. range of people: residents, customers or realm: how a place 'feels' and is change affecting where they live and I Artists work with local people to create visitors. experienced by people enabling people's knowledge about where artworks or events that enable people to, for they live to help inform development example, express their ideas and feelings Temporary installations, street art, festivals, ■ Bringing the visual skills of the artist into decisions about the places that are important to them performances, cycle and walking races, choices, for example, about materials and and the change affecting the area. skateboarding, Carnival, parades and events colours used in the built environment Sources of advice on procurement and I can link to existing or planned programmes all aspects of integration of public art These projects can increase awareness of activity by cultural organisations active in ■ Noticing the significance of marks made approaches into development and examples I amongst people affected by development Taunton and Somerset. in the physical landscape by previous of good practice are included in Appendices of what is going on and build relationships generations and uses, such as objects or C and D. between the developer and the community. The work of local people - amateur and buildings or pathways and finding ways to Projects might gather information to feed professional - is a core and valuable use them where they add meaning to the I into development planning about, for resource for a sustainable programme new environment APPENDIXC example, the things that people feel are of activity that builds on distinctive local PRECEDENTS AND INSPIRATION important about the place as it is now or culture. Events can also be part of high ■ Imaginative and creative skills: ingenuity I aspirations for what a place might be like profile regional and national events such and lateral thinking, innovative problem Many local authorities have adopted public after development. as the Cultural Olympiad. Animation solving and design solutions art policies as an integral part of their programmes can make visible the cultural approach to regeneration and development. I Integration of infrastructure facilities activity of people in the Borough in the ■ Stimulating new ideas and approaches Equally many private sector developers Artists and cultural organisations can public realm - artists, sportspeople, local through creating situations in which have embraced a public art approach as a advise, at an early and cost effective historians, community groups from Taunton people encounter new or different ideas core way of working because of its tangible stage in scheme design, the infrastructure neighbourhoods, other towns and villages, or mix and meet with people they might benefits in terms of profile, marketability, I facilities that should be included so that school and college students, local bands not ordinarily have the chance or the distinctiveness and quality of development. public spaces can be readily used for and so on. inclination to encounter e.g. older people entertainments and other cultural activity with young people; people living in The following examples give a flavour of I by end users. For example, inclusion of APPENDIXB different social situations or in distinct some of the approaches and successes. essential power sources in squares or other THE ARTIST SKILLS PROfllE geographic areas or from different cultural public spaces. backgrounds or origins www.publicartonline.org.uk I Temporary works This appendix describes some of the ■ Expressing the intangible and the invisible www.newswindon.co.uk Artists and cultural organisations can distinctive skills that artists can bring to the (like feelings and memory) through I be commissioned to create temporary development process that add value and tangible objects or design of hard and www.cabe.org.uk/case-studies/phoenix projects or artworks to provoke discussion, complement the expertise of other team soft landscaping initiative stimulate debate and generate new ideas or members. encourage positive uses and perceptions of ■ Helping create distinctive new 'landmarks' www.publicartportishead.eo.uk/index.cfm I the temporarily 'unused' land and 'empty' ■ Creating places in the public realm which and aiding orientation buildings inevitable during development. encourage encounter and interaction www.bristollegiblecity.info/initiative.html between the great diversity of people ■ Practical skills: construction; welding; I Animation of streets and public spaces using public spaces working with diverse materials; using ongoing cultural activity waste/recycled materials; working with Cultural activity of many types can be ■ Animating public spaces so that the plant and natural materials - wood, stone, I commissioned to celebrate new public public realm is not just the 'gaps water; craft skills; graphic and digital or spaces and establish positive ongoing uses. between buildings' but a place of social moving image This can support the marketing of new interchange and conviviality I 26 THE PUBllC LIFE OF PUBLIC SPACE The Taunton Deane Public Art Code I I APPENDIXD www.cabe.org.uk the agreement between 5 of the leading Place Making RESOURCES AND ADVICE cultural agencies: Arts Council England, Local and central government recognise I CABE, the Commission for Architecture and the Commission for Architecture and the the importance of taking account of the Built Environment, is the government's Built Environment (CABE), English Heritage, the particular physical and emotional The following organisations offer practical advisor on architecture, urban design and the Museums, Libraries and Archives characteristics of 'place' when planning I advice on integrating art and cultural activity public space. CABE 'works directly with Council (MLA) and Sport England; their change. into the development process. architects, planners, designers, developers sponsoring department the Department for and clients, offering them guidance on Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and the Places are destinations, collections of I www.publicartonline.org.uk projects that will shape lives. And parks and Department for Communities and Local buildings and public spaces of many open spaces are as important to us as bricks Government (DCLG) and the Homes and kinds. Places are also soaked in memory Public Art South West is a development and mortar.' CABE and CABE Space offer Communities Agency (HCA). and meaning - for individuals and for agency that takes a leading role in co expert advice and guidance directly relevant communities. 'Place Matters' [Communities I ordinating a range of strategies for public art to the Public Art Code. and Local Government 2007] notes 'there development in the South West. It is funded CONTEXT is no single definition and many different by Arts Council England. www.pps.org perceptions of place. These go to the I Growth & Change heart of how people identify with both a PASW maintains a web site public art online, Project for Public Spaces is a non-profit Taunton, the County Town of Somerset, is geographic area and other people. Changing which contains a wide range of information organisation concerned with creating experiencing significant change and growth a place through physical development I on all aspects of public art practice and and sustaining public places that build alongside major new housing and other creates new buildings, new public realm. extensive links to relevant material and communities. Its web site is an excellent developments across the Borough. This will Critically it also affects how people feel organisations. The site includes a large resource for background material, case bring new economies and new communities about, perceive and behave in that place.' I archive of case studies where readers can studies and approaches to community into the Borough alongside existing This advice was reinforced in 'World class quickly gain an oversight of different public driven place making. communities and established ways of life. places: The Government's strategy for art approaches, examples of 'what worked, improving quality of place'. [Communities what didn't', details of artists with particular www.axisweb.org Sustainable Development and Local Government 2009) I skills or experience, examples of briefs, Taunton Deane Borough Council is templates of contracts and commissioning Axis is an online directory of current committed to achieving sustainable Public spaces and how they are developed information and so on. practising artists in the UK. Axis gives development - environmental, social, and used is central to place making. The I access to over 2000 artists: biographies, economic and cultural - and has identified CABE Space 'Manifesto', for example, PASW is recommended as a core source of images, audio, film and video clips. All artists sustainable development as central to identifies public spaces as 'the 'glue' that information and advice. have been selected to reflect the quality the Local Development Framework. holds society together, the places where we I and diversity of art in the UK today. The Many individuals and organisations share meet different people, share experiences www.ixia-info.com Public Realm programme profiles a diverse this commitment across the Borough. and learn to trust one another. We must selection of innovative artwork undertaken The determination to create sustainable transform our parks, streets and squares I lxia is the 'think tank for public art practice; in the public realm with contact details and development is both 'bottom up' and 'top into attractive vibrant places that help create an independent voice for public art, other information. down': from Transition Town to artists and sustainable communities.' initiating debate, promoting research and cultural organisations all over the Borough encouraging innovation and change'. The www.living-places.org.uk and County exploring green issues, The importance of 'quality of place' - what I ixia web site contains useful information and environmental projects and an innovative makes a place special and distinctive - is ixia also runs regular workshop sessions Living Places is an alliance of public bodies approach to the use of recycled materials integral to Taunton Deane's approach to on particular topics aimed at developers, that believe everyone should benefit from to the primary partnership structure for growth and change. The Public Art Code I local authority staff and community the arts, sport, public space, heritage, regeneration in the borough, Project describes the ways in which artists and representatives involved in public art. For museums, libraries and archives, the built Taunton, adopting Defined: The Taunton cultural activity contribute to both the 'bricks example, recent workshops included Public environment and the creative industries, Protocol - 'a blueprint for sustainable and mortar' of place making and to the I Art and the Planning Process and the use of regardless of where they live. Taunton is one development' - the first of its kind in the UK. making of places that 'work' for different a Public Art Evaluation Toolkit. of five Priority Places in England. people and different uses. I Living Places is a programme based on The Taunton Deane Public Art Code THE PUBllC llFE OF PUBllC SPACE 27 Culture the Chief Cultural and Leisure Officers I Culture is what makes places special and Association for the South West have created distinct. Culture means different things to a pioneering plan for cultural infrastructure different people. development: People, Places and Spaces. I Taunton is one of the Strategically Significant ■ Culture is about identity, the traditions Cities and Towns and, with Bridgwater and and the histories of individuals and Yeovil, is one of the ten 'Planning Areas for communities: what people have in Culture' at the sub regional level. I common and share as well as the things that are special and particular Taunton is also one of only five 'Priority Places' selected in England to participate in I ■ Culture is about the things we do to the government's pioneering initiative 'Living express ourselves or to take part with Places' which explores how cultural assets other people in a whole range of activities and opportunities have a greater part to I like arts, sports, entertainment, play, play in the business of creating new places. going to the pictures, using libraries and Taunton was selected because of proven museums, heritage, architecture, crafts, commitment to explore how culture can be I reading, tourism, design, fashion, food, incorporated in housing and regeneration. media, going to parks and the environment we live in and use from our local www.tauntondeane.gov.uk neighbourhood to the town centres to the www.somersetcultureonline.com I villages and rural areas www.projecttaunton.co.uk ■ Culture is about the Creative Industries I and earning a living from the leisure Taunton Deane Borough Council and tourism, creative, media and sports The Deane House industries Belvedere Road I Taunton National, Regional and Local Policy Somerset The Public Art Code is a response to TA11HE I national, regional and local policy and planning guidance. This includes the draft 01823 356521 /356356 Regional Spatial Strategy, the Regional Economic Strategy, the Regional Sustainable Development Framework and regional, ·j" County and local Cultural Strategies. - I The Taunton Deane Local Development C 111 <> Framework and related Area Action Plans <;a and Supplementary Planning Documents incorporate the principle of public art. II '}; "O In the South West the regional cultural - agencies, the lottery distributors, the South iu · West Regional Development Agency, the t:., Government Office for the South West, public art F tfCounty CouncU the South West Regional Assembly and southwest 1r IIIR I 28 THE PUBUC llFE OF PUBLIC SPACE I