A13 Artscape

A13 Artscape is one of the most ambitious and innovative public arts projects in the UK. Finally at its completion stage, it aims to improve the environment of the congested, hostile landscape of the A13 in Barking and Dagenham, by introducing artist-designed landscapes, greener verges, cycle way and footpaths, lighting schemes, refurbished subways and landmark features that punctuate the route and signify a sense of place.

Holding Pattern: Lodge Avenue consists of Holding Pattern and Y Joules, a repeat of the rep-tiles as seen at X-Joules and reclaiming a previously disused piece of open land at the junction for pedestrian use. With Tom De Paor pathways and Idest lighting, it forms an apex to a key interface of the A13 with the old Becontree Estate and industrial estate, demarcated by Holding Pattern; a lightwork clustered beneath the flyover of the A13. Designed by Graham Ellard and Stephen Johnstone, in collaboration with Tom De Paor, the work consists of 74 stainless steel needles, 5.5 metres high their tips formed by a blue airport taxiway light. Charlton Crescent Subway: Artist Anu Patel, designed new northern and southern entrances of Charlton Crescent Subway. The Pumphouse and x-joules: Designed by Tom De Paor (recently awarded Young Architect of the Year by Building Design and ACE) and lighting artist Clare Brew, with further technical expertise provided by Quo Vadis, the project marks one end of the A13 Artscape scheme. Gale St Subway: The Subway provides an essential pedestrian link between Scrattons Farm and Dagenham via Gale Street at Castle Green and saw Pat Kaufman completely redesign the entrance, exit and interior of this key facility. Hedgefields; Twin Cone Roundabouts: Goresbrook Interchange consists of Hedgefields and the twin cone roundabouts at the interchange of the old A13 (now the A1306). Hedgefields is the largest of Tom De Paor (recently awarded Young Architect of the Year by Building Design and ACE) landscapes that begin to realise the green geometry of his vision for Arterial. Newlands Park Newlands Park was formerly a barren square patch of grass amidst low-rise housing blocks. Artist Rob Kesseler worked for many months with local residents and children to design a new space that includes play areas for children and young people, sports facilities and a scented garden with seating.