My apologies for the lack of feedback on your LDB design proposal at the end of 2020, it was a very frustrating time with Es constantly having to cancel our scheduled curatorial meetings. Unfortunately we still haven’t been able to properly review all of the recent designs with her as she has been away. However, our Director, Vicky Broackes has reviewed in detail and from an aesthetic point of view believes that it is a very beautiful piece, and feels that it will translate well in the overall context of the wider exhibition. Some further comments below:

RESPONSE:

Hi Jonny,

Sorry for the massive delay and radio silence, its been occupied by our preparations for NDW online festival. We have scaled down the concept a little and also still looking for funding so its challenging right now. We've moved back and forth a bit with the design and concept due to the time frame and responses we've had back from our suppliers.

The key aspects of the concept will still be present. Sustainability, collaboration and harmony through both. The frame will be present, the musical element still analogue through the use of digital inputs and a lotus made from repurposed materials in the middle to represent how something beautiful can come from muddy waters.

We are still working on technical and physical components of the build to get some things we can show and tell. On the technical side, we're able to construct the exhibit. Progress has been slower than expected on fundraising. We'd like to set an internal deadline of the end of March for this, but would also like to talk to you in the next week or two to go through everything.

• Please confirm the approximate weight of the piece and how it will be placed in the room – i.e. will it be freestanding?

Yes it's freestanding. Approximate weight is (bamboo frame + glass + lights + tech + mechanisms + amp).

• Assuming it is freestanding, please ensure that protection and padding is integrated into any of the elements that are directly in contact with the floor.

The concept has been scaled down.

• Where will the piece be made? Is the intention to fabricate everything and then ship to the UK?

  Yes

• Interactive and AV elements – please note that you will need to work with the Approved Audiovisual Contractor (Blue Elephant) to ensure that your design is feasible, to plan how it can be achieved within SH, and to calculate costs. As per the LDB manual: https://www.londondesignbiennalemanual.com/production-manual

  • Prepare any digital elements?
  • send over digital experience expectations?

• Projections on wall – where would the projector be housed? Please note that nothing can be fixed to the ceiling.

  • Standing on tripod?

• Power locations – placement of all the installation elements will need to be reviewed in terms of power outlets as we need to consider travelling wires. This can be discussed with the AV supplier and they will advise accordingly.

  • Ideally we would have the piece in the middle of the room.

• Regarding the built elements, will you require any fabrication or installation support from one of the Approved Contractors? It might be worth getting one of the contractors to quote for producing some of the elements to avoid shipping large items, and so that they can work closely with the AV supplier to ensure that the units work seamlessly as a whole.

  • What is this saying? The we have a design for someone to make it here in London?

• What is the extent of the assembly requirements on site at SH? Will it be arriving as one piece? If assembly is required onsite, we will require technical drawings of this, detailing their dimensions and assembly/fixing methods for approval. Alternatively, as mentioned above you could get a quote from an approved contractor here to carry out this work for you.

  • Assembly will be simple an the exhibit will be self assembled