Sir Terry Farrell leads CATT debate

IBP secured a major coup for the 2004 Richard Catt Environmental Debate when the internationally renowned architect and urban designer, Sir Terry Farrell, gave the keynote speech at the University of Westminster in September.

Sir Terry, who studied architecture at Newcastle University and then won a Harkness Fellowship to study masters courses in architecture and city planning at the University of Pennsylvania In Philadelphia,USA,discussed a range of projects which have shaped his practice and then concentrated on his current redesign and rebuilding of the Home Office in London.

He described how the three high rise buildings (which had formerly comprised the old Department of the Environment) had been demolished. These towers had long been regarded as a blot on the London landscape which sat behind the Houses of Parliament.Sir Terry explained how they were able to demonstrate that it was possible, instead of having three tower blocks, to design three low rise ‘groundscrapers’ with a street linking it all up. In this way the project became more of a community but without utilizing any mo reground area than that originally occupied by the tower blocks.

It had become, in effect, an example of urban renewal which now included housing and public space at the front. Various artists had become involved, including Liam Gillick, who had been short listed for the Turner Prize. Under Gillick’s guidance a whole range of artist shad been working on the project together with architects and urban designers working on housing, offices and art works.He explained how, in place of the old impermeable towers, there were now streets, pedestrian routes and a much better internal environment with more space beween the buildings.Sir Terry said that working with Liam Gillick was fascinating and as the project evolved they experimented with ways in which glass could be incorporated in the design.

The result is one of the largest artworks in Britain in different coloured glass. Earlier Gerald Bowey, Chief Executive of IBP Services, had introduced the debate by thanking the University of Westminster for hosting the event. He paid tribute to the Vice Chancellor, Dr. Geoffrey Coplanar, and Chris Marsh, a member of the Faculty at the University, formerly a close colleague of Richard Catt, who chaired the debate.He also thanked the evening’s sponsor, International Art Consultants/Art for Offices, for joining with IBP and for choosing the Catt debate for the presentation of their annual Art & Work Award.

Andrew Hutchinson, Director of International Art Consultants/Art for Offices, said the 20th anniversary of the awards would be held next year but to celebrate their own 25th anniversary this year they had decided to sponsor the first Art & Work Award for Outstanding Lifetime Achievement by an artist.He continued: “Over the past 25 years we have worked with many artists on a huge range of projects both within the UK and all over the world.

The winner of of the award tonight is one of the most creative and professional artists we have had the privilege of working with -William Pye.”“I could speak for hours on the scope and quality of Bill’s work and those of you who are familiar with it will know how stunning the combinations of water and sculpture he creates are and how perfectly they work in the many different locations for which they have been commissioned.”