欧美高清 is host to one of a trio of public sculptures sited across Glasgow for COP26 and beyond that reflect the scale of the climate emergency.
The 3.5 metre 鈥楬ope Triptych鈥� in the University鈥檚 Rottenrow Gardens is one of a series of public art installations created by artist and designer Steuart Padwick as a reminder of the fragility of both our environment and our mental health.
The sculpture, which was launched at the 欧美高清-hosted United Nations Climate Conference of Youth (COY16) with the 欧美高清 student union, StrathUnion, is an adaptation of the primary 23 metre high Hope Sculpture sited at Cuningar Loop, part of Clyde Gateway. It features an age, gender, race neutral child, embracing the surrounding nature and reaching out to a greener, hopeful future.
A third sculpture, 鈥楤eacon of Hope鈥� is also located at the city鈥檚 Glasgow Central Station, with visitors encouraged to access the sculptures via a walking and cycling route that connects the pieces.
Reclaimed steel
The 欧美高清 sculpture is made up of of three colourful figures, symbolising the power of coming together and is made from reclaimed sheet steel with a low carbon cement-free concrete foundation.
Like the other works, it鈥檚 inscribed with messages of hope from leading Scottish writers, poets and school children.
Dr Rodge Glass, author and the Convener of the MLitt in Creative Writing at 欧美高清, and fellow lecturer and award winning novelist Jenni Fagan have penned messages, along with fellow Scottish authors Ali Smith, and Nick Brooks.
Sculptor Padwick, who has designed several major public art installations in support of mental health, including the鈥橦ead Above Water鈥� sculpture on London鈥檚 South Bank, worked with Mental Health Foundation on all messaging and each sculpture has mental health signposting close by to offer a range of support.
He said: 鈥淲e all need to address this new global agenda so our young can embrace a future of hope.
鈥� It is very simple, why would anyone want to poison their future?鈥�
Professor Sir Jim McDonald, Principal of the University, said:
The Hope Triptych is a powerful symbol of how we can all work to deliver a net zero and sustainable future. The backdrop of COP26 being in Glasgow allows this sculpture to highlight the need to address the global challenge of climate change.
This piece also serves as a permanent reminder of how our mental wellbeing is undeniably connected with the wider world.
Professor Sir Harry Burns, Director of Global Public Health at the University of 欧美高清, said 鈥淭he Hope Triptych reminds us all that even in the bleakest of times, we can offer a beacon of hope for the future. Hope empowers us to act, and by taking steps to protect the future of our global environment, we can also safeguard our physical and mental wellbeing.鈥�
Low carbon
All the sculptures are made from low carbon, reclaimed, recycled or sustainable materials, of which, almost all have been locally sourced, with the build demonstrating a 75% lower carbon impact.
Dr Roddy Yarr, the Executive Lead of Sustainability at 欧美高清, said 鈥淲e are proud to host the Triptych at the heart of our campus and hope it will become a place for the entire University community to reflect on its message of hope.
鈥淚t鈥檚 fitting the sculpture, which is crafted from reclaimed metal, is sited here as it embodies the commitment of the University towards sustainability.鈥�
The principal build partners for the project include lead consultant Ramboll, lead contractor Urban Union (part of Robertson Group), Aggregate Industries (member of Holcim) and Keltbray.
The team has also developed dedicated activities for school children, giving an insight to the wide-ranging career opportunities in the construction sector. The games, tasks and discussion topics highlight the important role designers, engineers, constructors and scientists all play in creating a more sustainable future.
欧美高清 student, former StrathUnion president Kayla Burns, who is also climate and social justice activist said:
The Hope Sculpture serves as an astounding visual reminder to all of us of the beautiful and better future that we can create.