Over the years, we’ve made a name for ourselves installing iconic tensile fabric structures, whether canopies, facades, innovative weather-screening solutions or replacement roofs for groundbreaking structures like at the Castle Meadow Campus in Nottingham.
But there’s much more to Base in the creative realm of artistic structures, installations and unique special projects. Whether weird, wonderful or both, we love exploring the boundaries of where engineering meets imagination and taking on inventive projects that leave a lasting impression.
What makes this part of our work so exciting and rewarding is the way our expert teams use their considerable creative problem-solving skills to turn artistic concepts into something that’s buildable to a high degree of safety. Our experience in rigging and demanding environments means we can partner with creative talent to manage the build process and turn artistic concepts into real projects. Talk to us about any artistic project, whether large or small.
Our creative art installations service exists because Base has long standing links with and passion for the festivals, events and creative industries and often found it can provide a strong logistical and technical support system for creatives. Whether working with artists, designers, cultural institutions or event producers, we bring a unique blend of technical intelligence and creative flexibility to projects that can range from sculptural works to immersive spatial experiences. From the earliest sketches, through detailed design and engineering, to installation and finish, we collaborate with artistic teams every step of the way.
We understand that art installations are about concept and about transforming a space into something unexpected, fascinating and long-lived. We love helping to create an experience that resonates with an audience and create a beautiful space, and we’re always determined to deliver and accept a challenge!
If you’ve walked through an exhibition, a zoo, a museum or a public space in recent years, chances are you’ve seen installations that blur the line between art and architecture. We specialise in these kinds of projects, and we were delighted to deliver the construction and installation of ‘King Kong’ in 2022, which returned to Birmingham after 50 years.
King Kong was part of a creative initiative designed to delight audiences visiting Birmingham for the Commonwealth Games. Being 7 metres high, it was constructed in parts due to its size, and then erected on-site, within one day. We thrive on these kings of challenges in terms of time deadlines and logistical access issues. It is also a great example of our collaboration with technical teams. By listening to a client’s needs, we then offer multiple options and solutions to birth an idea – something
The gorilla became a talking point throughout the games, attracting plenty of press attention – a perfect example of our ‘weird and wonderful’ projects.
Some installations are grand in scale, occupying town squares, museum galleries, or cultural venues. Others are subtle inserts in existing architecture, like our work for Printworks Manchester or the NEC Birmingham, rejuvenating a space and adding surprise and delight without overwhelming the existing structure. The common thread is that we help bring artistic structures and creative ideas to life with structural integrity, technical precision and imaginative flair. It may involve bespoke engineering solutions and complex rigging challenges, but that’s part of what we love as it stretches our thinking and leads to structures that aren’t just built but brought to life.
One of the most exciting aspects of artistic installations is how they can transform public spaces. Art installations add an extra layer of engagement and experience to a space, giving people reasons to pause and connect. From town-centre regeneration projects to community events, these structures make spaces more vibrant, more playful and more memorable. You can view more about our public space artworks here: (LINK)
Our belief is that engineering and creativity are natural partners. Whether we’re tensioning a large canopy, bringing a giant gorilla to life or creating other kinds of artistic structures, we approach every project with a respect for craft and a willingness to problem solve and embrace the unusual. When you combine technical expertise with creative ambition, the result is a memorable experience.
If you’re dreaming up something a little out of the ordinary, let’s talk. Challenge accepted!
mail@basestructures.com
0117 911 5250
in Bristol