Romford Market / KitMapperDesigning a Modular Illuminated Art Installation for Romford Market
Public artwork can present fabrication challenges that go far beyond the appearance of the finished piece.
South Coast Metal Fabrication was commissioned by KitMapper to develop, fabricate and install an illuminated market-stand artwork for Romford Market, created by artist David Shearing for Havering London.
One practical requirement fundamentally influenced the engineering of the structure:
The installation needed to be erected every evening and dismantled again afterwards.
Turning an Artistic Concept Into a Working System 🎨
The challenge was not simply to fabricate the artist's design.
The structure needed to be lightweight, modular and straightforward to assemble repeatedly, while still retaining the intended appearance of the finished artwork once erected.
This is where 3D modelling and technical development becomes particularly valuable.
SCMF developed the fabrication solution around both the visual intent and the operational requirements of the installation.
Lightweight Aluminium Construction
The structure was fabricated from aluminium box section.
Aluminium provided an effective combination of rigidity and reduced weight, particularly important for components that would be regularly handled during assembly and dismantling.
Rather than manufacturing the artwork as one permanent structure, the design was developed as a series of modular fabricated sections.
Our custom fabrication capabilities include aluminium fabrication alongside mild steel, stainless steel, brass and other metals for architectural, commercial and creative projects.
Developing a Push-Fit Modular System 🔧
A push-fit connection system allowed the individual components to be assembled into the complete structure and subsequently separated again.
This is a good example of why technical development matters in creative fabrication.
The finished installation may appear relatively simple to the public, but behind it sits a fabrication strategy developed around transport, handling, repeated assembly, storage and the artist's visual requirements.
From Workshop to Public Installation
Following fabrication and trial assembly, the structure was installed at Romford Market as an illuminated temporary artwork.
The project demonstrates the role a specialist fabricator can play between an artist's original concept and the practical realities of installing that concept within a public environment.
You can see more examples of SCMF's creative, commercial and architectural work in our Selected Works gallery.
Project credits
Artist: David Shearing
Commissioned by: KitMapper for Havering London
Fabrication & Installation: South Coast Metal Fabrication
Photography: Hannah Davis
Developing an Installation or Artwork?
SCMF works with artists, designers, production companies and creative agencies to turn ambitious concepts into practical fabricated structures.
From technical design and 3D modelling through to fabrication and installation, we can become the technical fabrication partner behind the creative concept.
Ready to discuss your project? Contact South Coast Metal Fabrication today, or view our About page to learn more about SCMF.
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