Please Be Seated by Paul Cocksedge

The large-scale installation fused innovation and technology, and responded to the changing rhythm of the community: its design featured curves for people to sit on and walk under, further enhancing London’s largest pedestrianised neighbourhood. The work was made from scaffolding planks, and Cocksedge collaborated with Essex-based high-end interiors company White & White to re-imagine and re-use the building wood. “Every single aspect of the installation is tailored to its environment as well as the function it serves,” said Cocksedge. “The curves raise up to create backrests and places to sit, as well as space for people to walk under, or pause and find some shade. It walks the line between a craft object and a design solution. It occupies the square without blocking it.”Broadgate’s The Space | 3FA was home to an exhibition of Paul Cocksedge’s work, including his journey from inception to creation of Please Be Seated. As part of Shoreditch Design Triangle’s Design Night, Paul was in conversation with a panel of experts discussing meaningful design for the public realm. Chief Executive of British Land, Chris Grigg said: “Design is integral to everything we do at British Land so we’re delighted to continue our partnership with London Design Festival for the fourth consecutive year in 2019. We truly believe good design has the power to create places where people want to be and where people want to spend time.” Supported by British Land. Hosted by Broadgate. Further support from Arup and White & White London.