As Plasdŵr continues to grow all aspects of this new community are starting to develop, including the features and aesthetics shaping what Plasdŵr will look like.
Plasdŵr isn’t just about the homes. Design ideas have been developed to inspire every element of the community, from public art installations and historic plaques to lampposts and benches.
Primary pieces of public art across the 900 acres of the development will be commissioned by the landowners and lead developer, Redrow Homes, and will be functional in public spaces such as Maesllech Community Park and Canol Plasdŵr/ Plasdŵr Centre.
Smaller pieces, distinctive to the neighbourhoods, will then be commissioned by the developer on each site.
All pieces will be considered by not only the landowner and housing developers but in conjunction with the community, the individual local artists and the local council to ensure each piece aligns with the vision of Plasdŵr.
Why is art important to the places we live?
Public art can make a significant contribution to the cultural wellbeing of a community as well the physical landscape.
Art and design is important to all elements of Plasdŵr and is considered not only to create an attractive place, where residents are proud to live work and play, but also to champion the talented local artists and history of the land.
What is the vision for public art at Plasdŵr?
Wayne Rees, project director of Plasdŵr said: “Developing guidance for public art means everyone involved can contribute in creating the best possible place to live.
“Public art at Plasdŵr will help create a sense of place, as well as building and merging this new community with its neighbours, while also distinguishing each of our five neighbourhood areas.
“With each piece we want to create an emotional attachment to the new community, something which the residents are proud of. The pieces can be inspired by and promote Welsh language and culture, have a connection to nature, landscape or water – which is a key element of the development and where Plasdŵr gets its namesake. As art is subjective the pieces can be sensory, interactive, industrial or functional, the key is that it embodies the garden city principals of fresh air and breathing room which Plasdŵr was inspired by.
“Public art all over the world has nurtured some of the most famous artists, provided job opportunities and been a draw for tourism and business, so it’s important for us to start thinking of our strategy for art at an early stage and we’re looking forward to seeing the first few elements come to life.”
The plan for public art will span the 20 years of the development and the process for commission and selection of artists will be posted on our social media channels and here on this website.