Monday morning, bleary eyed and not relishing the prospect of work, I cross Regent Street and see that someone has thrown black paint all over the Banana Republic window! Upon closer inspection, it’s an architectural window installation for the RIBA London Regent Street Windows Project, an outdoor exhibition of seven window displays, each created by a different Architect to the theme ‘Play’.
I think ‘this could be a blog post’, take lots of photos, annoy lots of grumpy commuters and one scary security guard…
more reflection than display
When I finally get to work I’m disappointed with the photos. I probably expect too much from my little iPhone, and it usually delivers, but today I’m looking at a confused reflection of regent street and not the display lovingly created by Ushida Findlay Architects and Visitor Studio.
My friend Andy, listening to my woes, offers to help, his brand new super-duper camera and polarising filter should put an end to the glare. We compare diaries and book the only 10 minute slot we both have spare on Wednesday Lunchtime.
Fast forward to Wednesday and it’s raining. It’s like ‘challenge Anneka’ – we have ten minutes to find and get decent photos of all seven windows, and I’m feeling a little sceptical. I realise when dragging Andy down Regent Street that I probably should have printed a map of the shops and worked out how long it would take us to circumnavigate the route, but I didn’t and luckily they are all easy to find.
I’m pleased to report that by the time we get back to the office, Andy is still my friend and we have some decent photos between us – ta da!
Banana Republic, by Ushida Findlay Architects and Visitor Studio.
small safari animals suspended in splashes of transparent resin
Ferrari, by Feix & Merlin
Ferrari or 'Black' Cab? Totally contradicting myself, but loving the reflections on this one.
Bose, by 00:/
mind the gap at Bose
Reiss, by De Matos Ryan
kaleidoscopic ‘Hall of Mirrors’ at Reiss
Folli Follie, by Studio Egret West
a series of bright organic shapes showcase Folli Follie objects
TM Lewin, by Liddicoat & Goldhill
this is my favourite, 'High Flyers', crisp origami balloons made from shirts with teeny people in them
Anthropologie, by Gort Scott
neon loveliness at Anthropologie, the stick structure set the mannequins off wonderfully
Moss Bros, Delvendahl Martin Architects
not sure how this one relates to ‘play’ but the gold thread is remarkably effective.
The installations are on display until 6th May, with walking tours by RIBA on Thursday 26 April, 1pm and Wednesday 2 May, 6pm, check out their site for more information.
Big thanks to Andy for helping me out with the photography on Ferrari, Reiss and Anthropologie!
