Artform Urban Furniture Limited

The New Fusion Hive Innovation Centre at Northshore, Stockton-On-Tees, was part of a 56 acre and £300 million overall project. The 36,000 sq ft Innovation centre is a state-of- the-art, high-tech building that provides spaces for small and medium sized science and technology businesses. Having been identified as the preferred supplier, Artform offered a selection of site furniture elements which included Big Harris Benches, Word Bollards and Box Litter Bins. There were also bespoke signage plates incorporated into some of the bollards to identify disabled parking bays.

Nine Elms Point is a new apartment complex in London. A part of the project was to offer a green space of landscaped gardens for residents, to enhance the community feel. This included many walkways which required seating. Artform were consulted regarding the supply of standard products to the residential area, which needed a bespoke feel. The award winning Multiplicity seating, with its cast aluminium support structure was suggested, as this could allow for a selection of alternate timber to be used, giving the client flexibility and confidence that it would blend with the landscape.

Quayside in Newcastle, renowned for its scenic views of the River Tyne, was identified by NE1 as a key area of focus in their plan to revitalise the city. The project sought to increase footfall, attract new businesses, and create a vibrant urban quarter with a distinct brand identity.A range of Loop Benches in a striking orange colour, complete with LED lighting was specified for the project. These benches provided functional seating and served as illuminated landmarks, enhancing the area's ambience during both day and night. The integrated lighting created a captivating visual effect, drawing attention and encouraging engagement. The vibrant orange hue was chosen to add a pop of colour to the pavilion area, creating a lively and welcoming space.Artform Urban Furniture worked closely with the client to determine the optimal placement of the Loop Benches, considering factors such as pedestrian flow, sightlines, and accessibility. The benches were securely anchored to the ground to withstand high winds and prevent theft or vandalism. The benches were constructed using durable materials to withstand outdoor conditions and were equipped with energy-efficient LED lighting to minimise environmental impact and maintenance costs.The project at Quayside in Newcastle showcases the successful integration of urban furniture with lighting elements in urban rejuvenation initiatives. The Quayside businesses have seen a boost in sales and NE1 continues to nurture the work done by hosting events that create a vibrant and inclusive hub for residents and visitors.

The development of a new emergency care centre at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Gateshead was an investment of £32m. The project provided state-of- the-art healthcare services to people across the region. The centre now provides a smoother service to its patients and a more efficient way of treating people.Artform Urban Furniture were asked to provide seating and litter bins to the main entrance of the hospital's drop in centre, as well as the car park and the taxi drop off / pick up point. The products had to complement the soft landscaping whilst also being durable enough to cope with the extensive usage. The Artform team proposed items from the Multiplicity range, with their cast anodised aluminium frames, offering superb longevity and minimal maintenance requirements.The overall project was constructed within a tight budget and the street furniture supplied by Artform needed to be of a very high standard, ergonomically designed for comfort and all delivered within the economic constraints.The products also had to be on site and installed within a short time frame, due to the fast track nature of the project. The Artform team provided full technical drawings and specification information to ensure that the client’s facilities team were supported fully and the installation process was seamless.OutcomeThe completed emergency care centre is now a busy hub for all types of emergency healthcare services and the entrance provides a clean and welcoming first impression to all those using the centre. The landscaped outdoor areas including the entrance, the car park and the busy taxi point, offer an engaging space, for use by staff, patients and visitors alike, with the thoughtful distribution of attractive seating and clean, modern litter bins.Ian Renwick, chief executive of QE Gateshead commented: "This is a unique hospital building and the environment for patients and visitors is really something special."

Artform Urban provides colourful external furniture elements to a new state-of-the-art Children and Young Peoples' Mental Health Service (CYPMHS) inpatient unit for West Yorkshire. Based at the St Mary’s Hospital site in Armley, Leeds, the five-year project led by Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust opened in January 2022. The new facility comprises a 16-bed general adolescent ward and a 6-bed psychiatric intensive care unit all supported by an expert team to offer a range of therapies and support. The building wraps around central courtyards to provide dedicated access to garden spaces at all times. In total there are 4 separate outdoor spaces all have been furnished by Artform Urban Furniture. The primary products specified by Ares Landscape Architects are the Loop range of street furniture; including curving loop benches, conical picnic sets, and Hop Op 500 stools. The products are ideally suited to CAMHS units due to the minimal design and lack of any removable fixtures. The Loop range is formed of rotationally moulded Polyurethane which creates a soft and flexible surface with no sharp edges - this was a key factor in why these products were chosen. The Loop range is also lightweight and can be easily positioned and secured in place using hidden fixtures or alternatively filled with sand or water to be self-weighted units that can be moved as and when required.A bespoke element has been introduced with circular sheets of HPL (High-Pressure Laminate) being added as table toppers to achieve a tamper-proof finish. HPL is manufactured by combining sheets of recycled paper with a binding resin under high pressure - achieving a robust weather-resistant material ideal for external environments.The playful design and inviting colours create a positive and calming atmosphere encouraging time to be spent outside in the fresh air. In the larger garden space, several Stone benches have been installed - in various finishes. The pebble-like design sits naturally in the leafy garden and creates an impromptu social space.In order to facilitate client timings, Artform provided an installation service as well as advice/ guidance during out-of-usual operational hours between Christmas and New Year.For the final installations - Full coordination with the management team was required at Red Kite View as it was now a live site. It was imperative there was no interruption to the patient’s routines while the products were moved through the building and installed.The building was designed in collaboration with clinicians and young people who all contributed their ideas, hopes, and aspirations for care. They also helped to decide on the name ‘Red Kite View’ as nature is strongly associated with mental wellbeing and rehabilitation.

The Redrock Development, previously known as the Bridgefield site, is a new leisure destination in the heart of Stockport town centre. The Client required a range of products for this project, including the MultipliCITY seats & benches, which were supplied and manufactured under licence in the UK by Artform Urban, the Big Harris Benches which were customised with LED illumination, and two bespoke sedum roof cycle shelters. Artform provided their expert knowledge for the design and installation of these individual products.

East India Dock is a refurbished site in East London, comprising of 6,000m2 of office workspace and a new area of public realm. The previously underutilised space has been fabulously transformed, including the creation of a pedestrian only external landscaped area. Artform Urban were commissioned to provide litter bins for the public realm and surrounding areas. The client needed the litter bins to be multifunctional for the project, allowing litter to be segregated into both general waste and recycling. The Spencer R Litter Bin was the optimal solution for the site, from design to budget.

Artform Urban supplied a range of solar powered lighting elements to The Royal Horticultural Society’s garden, Wisley in Surrey. The requirement for the job was for external lighting in prominent parts of the gardens to assist with wayfinding when dark.The Point Sun and Sunstone are 100% cable free, self-charging ambient light sources.The end result is that visitors and staff can now walk around safely in the dark thanks to eco-friendly lighting.

The new Centre for Immersive Storytelling at the Royal Holloway University of London has been designed to provide education in virtual and augmented reality technologies. This modern building stands adjacent to the University’s signature gothic Founder’s Building, providing a conflicting mixture of architectural design styles. The external social areas were brought to life with 14 Plateau Picnic Tables, creating a vibrant space suitable for studying and socialising, with the connected benches seating up to 12 people. The High-Pressure Laminate (HPL) picnic tables are both attractive and durable for outdoor use, ideal for busy and energetic students.

Artform Urban provided timeless external lighting design at a newly restored care home from Signature Senior Lifestyle in North West, London. The complex restoration project combines the Grade II listed 18th Century Hendon Manor with contemporary luxury accommodation and exceptional care. The result creates a homely and familiar surrounding, designed in line with the Gold Standard Framework from Stirling University, which is specifically for those living with memory loss.The red brick building is steeped in history having been used as an RAF Convalescent Home during WW2 and once housed the England Football Team before their 1966 World Cup win. With this in mind, it was crucial that the restoration was completed to the highest standard and preserved as many original features as possible.The high standard is perpetuated throughout the building grounds which include accessible terraces, green spaces, and paths, providing a relaxing and secluded environment for residents to enjoy. It is here that Artform’s Ashbery lighting range ‘shines’ making the exterior accessible in the dark by providing ambient and inviting light. Path lights have been placed around the leafy garden along the winding paths - wall-mounted versions stand out against the red building walls - and tall pole-mounted pedestrian units line the entrance, all working together to complement the environment. The trio of Ashbery lights brings together advanced LED technology and optics, paying homage to traditional lantern-style lighting. The range, manufactured by Landscape Forms, has been developed in collaboration with Robert A.M. Stern Architects, celebrated masters of modern traditional design, and Fisher Marantz Stone, an internationally recognised award-winning lighting design agency. Hendon care home offers 102 spacious apartments with a variety of layouts, aspects and views to suit everyone. There is also a dedicated dementia care complex with 24 apartments. Amenities include a café and restaurant, private dining room, boutique cinema, pub lounge and numerous seating areas for relaxing or socialising. There is also a hair salon and spa for ensuring residents look and feel their best. Othello Hall and Activity Room provides a big flexible space for a range of activities and events, with stage and seating for up to 60 residents and guests.This was a particularly interesting and rewarding project to be involved with that has ensured the best quality of living and comfort is offered to its residents whilst also preserving an important piece of local history. 

The Stephenson Quarter in Newcastle is a new city centre development near to the central train station. Artform Urban Furniture were involved in the project from an early stage, helping to steer the design process. They were asked to supply a range of products that complemented each other but also that had the ability to be adapted, to contain specific branding that referenced the commercial development’s name. The final products recommended for this function included: the Word Bollard, the Vision Illuminated Bollard, the Hesperia Removable Bollard and the Yes Litter Bin.

Stockport Exchange has been undergoing extensive refurbishment since 2014 with improvements to the train station, a new multi storey car park, new retail and leisure facilities as well as office buildings. Given its location on the doorstep of one of the busiest train routes in the country, connections to London in under 2 hours, and less than 10 minute journey into Manchester - The potential and popularity of the scheme has seen well known brands such as Stage Coach, Music Magpie and many others fully occupying the office spaces. The external area surrounding the buildings is completely pedestrianised with a combination of paved walkways, grass plots, and raised concrete edging for plants and trees. An open green space that is the first thing visitors see of Stockport after leaving the train station.Artform Urban were asked to provide their popular Stone Benches in HPC Granite with a smooth Velluto finish. The unique design and polished finish invites users to interact whether to rest or to climb and play. The solid stone bench becomes an immovable barrier offering security and protection once it has to be maneuvered into place with cranes. A modern and monolithic design that creates a striking visual contrast to the contemporary glass and steel architecture. The stone bench range has recently been expanded with three sizes now being offered in new finishes.The client, George Cox & Sons, have a mission to present a high quality finish on all their projects that provide essential transport links. Stockport Exchange is another excellent scheme added to their portfolio. The regeneration scheme has and continues to be a success for Stockport Council and is a benchmark for future renovations to the town centre. 

Teesbay is an out of town retail park in Hartlepool. A safe environment was required for pedestrians walking around the site, and cycle parking was needed to visitors and employees. Artform provided Corten steel bollards and cycle stands to compliment the facades of the existing shops and eateries. The products chosen provided a coordinated finish, durability and ultimate protection which matched the clients needs.

Ten Traffic Street is a 522-bed student accommodation serving luxury living located on a prominent site within Nottingham City Centre. The project was delivered by Jensco and offers excellent amenities such as a cinema, games room, study spaces, onsite coffee shop, indoor and outdoor Gyms and multiple outdoor communal spaces including a roof terrace. Artform Urban worked closely with the Landscape architects, Ares Landscape to provide a substantial package of premium external furniture to ensure the high-end finish extends to the outdoor spaces. The complex is spread across 2 buildings with courtyards and one roof terrace overlooking the city. In total, there are 4 external spaces - each has its own identifiable aesthetic which is driven by the building fascias and window frame colouring which is then reflected in the outdoor furniture.The roof terrace is surrounded by a large Inspira Modular Planting System installation powder-coated in a unique Khaki Grey - bringing colour and natural benefits to the space. The planters house plants and small trees that provide dappled shade to ensure residents can enjoy the terrace on hotter days. Tables, benches, and a Box Litter Bin all in a coordinated colour palette, provide social seating and dining spaces and vibrant plastic Chill Lounger’s and Hop Op 500’s offer a more casual seating option for residents.The ground floor courtyards feature a continuation of benches and Box litter bins - with all steelwork powder coated in a specific colour for each space. An external gym has been provided in the larger courtyard and features two Endurance Wellness Stone installations. These unique sculptural pebbles include stainless steel fixtures to accommodate a variety of exercises. This is the first installation in the UK of these products that are part of a wider range of premium external gym equipment named MyEquilibria. This unique fitness range aims to redefine the workout experience by combining art, high-end design and community. As final additions to the spaces Artform Urban provided an extensive bike parking package as well as Fuente Drinking Fountain’s to encourage students to cycle and reduce plastic waste. 

The Concourse, part of The University of Sheffield’s ongoing public realm regeneration is a key thoroughfare, connecting the Students’ Union with the Alfred Denny Building and one of the most used areas of the campus. Artform Urban were approached to provide a waste and recycling solution that would complement this modern and uncluttered space, whilst also having the capacity to meet the high demand in this busy area. The Pack Litter Bin was chosen due to its adaptability and durability.The bins ensure that this heavily used space remains clean and tidy whilst uncompromising on the forward looking environment.

A residential building in Salford required seating that was durable, within budget and suited the project's overall quality. Artform Urban were asked to supply affordable and robust seating to be installed throughout the new building. After many conversations with the contractor and the architect, The FGP Bench was chosen. Being the perfect size for installing on site and maintained the project quality. With a solutions based approach from Artform Urban, the landscape element of this project was able to remain within the planned budget, without compromising on quality.

The Regeneration of Eaglesham Environment is a -not-for-profit volunteer organisation, established to improve Eaglesham’s outdoor areas and promote community spirit. Artform assisted their latest project to brighten up a central area of the village that had become overgrown and neglected. Flo planters were chosen for their robust, attractive and customisable design. The planters were delivered to the site and installed by the hardworking volunteers and the result is a much improved space for the village.

The Tiber Square project involved the renovation of a community space in Liverpool. It was inspired by a group of 14-18 year olds who are members of the Tiber Young People’s Steering Group (TYPSG). The group of young people were given the opportunity to improve their local area thanks to a 100K grant from a national scheme, which supplied funding for just 24 town centres or high streets across the UK. Artform Urban were asked to supply robust but inspiring picnic sets for the new community development. The products chosen were the Twin picnic sets from our Metalco range.

Gaming giants Tombola recently completed the construction of their flagship £7m headquarters at Wylam Wharf in Sunderland. It is situated within a conservation area on the banks of the River Wear. In line with the overall design brief, the high-quality natural materials used were to reflect the location of the site within the conservation area. Artform were specified to supply extremely durable tropical hardwood timbers, given the coastal location for the benches and picnic sets provided. The scheme has created an improved environment for staff whilst establishing a network of paths linking to the wider area.

This project was part of an investment to re-enliven the shared space of this popular seaside location, as part of the social and economic regeneration scheme. Artform supplied the Stop Bollard from the Metro40 Collection, designed by BMW Group Design Work, for use outside of Eastbourne Train Station. The bollards were required as a physical demarcation between the pedestrian zone and the drop off point, which is designed to be at the same level, without a kerbside. The products installed will serve as highly visible barriers with the addition of reflective banding that meet Network Rail’s safety standards.

Artform were approached to assist on external building works as part of Loughborough University’s campus master plan. The scheme consisted of an open plaza plus a more formal, secluded seating garden. The landscape architect, BCA Landscape, were looking for simple seating made from quality materials. In addition to providing an aesthetic appeal that complimented the campus, it was also important that the products chosen were tough and durable. Giada Benches and Salgueiro Granite Blocks were chosen for their simplicity, exceptional value and effortless functionality. The Giada’s overall weight also influenced the product choice by being unmovable once installed.

The University of Liverpool developed a circular paved area outside of the listed Victoria Gallery and Museum, to commemorate HM Queen Elizabeth II’s Jubilee celebrations in 2012. The area was designed to host ceremonial presentations and to be used as a break out space. Artform were required to supply circular seating that would line up with the paving and suit the overall area. The Diamante Seating Range was chosen for having a flexible design that worked with the client's initial ideas. The project made a significant improvement to the previously unused space, linking the university to the city.

ADP Architecture’s landscape team specified Artform Urban’s High Performance Concrete (HPC) benches for a new plaza space outside the WMG building at the University of Warwick. WMG (formerly known as Warwick Manufacturing Group) is an academic department at the University.Artform Urban were contracted to supply and install these large units, each weighing up to 1500kg. Our technical involvement in the project simplified the supply and installation process for the main contractor including the experience we have of handling and installing heavy concrete units, saving time when the products arrived on site. 

A stylish redevelopment of a courtyard at Stratford University. The project needed products that matched the aesthetic of the Stratford Cultural Quarter landscape. Artform were chosen as the preferred supplier on a range of architectural street furniture. The Parc Vue range of case style furniture was specified. The package included the Parc Vue Tables and Chairs by Landscape Forms along with a selection of sleek stainless steel bins and bollards, and elegant timber and steel benches.

Victoria Gate is one half of Victoria Leeds; a beautiful shopping district, recognised as one the premium shopping destinations in the North of England.The award-winning Victoria Gate opened in October 2016 and is a modern interpretation of Victoria Quarter, paying homage to the surrounding architecture. Victoria Gate brings together brands such as Anthropologie, The White Company and Aspinal of London, in addition to being home to the largest John Lewis store outside London.Artform were asked to supply a mixture of street furniture items to the prestigious city centre development, with the initial specification being produced by ACME Architects, London but the majority of the dialogue and final decision was directly with the client's project management team.Samples of all materials and finishes were supplied, to ensure that the client and team were comfortable with the final proposal and furniture elements.The products specified were the Parc Vue seats, with and without armrests, the Loop cycle stands and the Spencer litter bins, plus in this instance, Artform also provided a full supply and installation service on this project.The traditional seating and cycle stand designs were pivotal in the selection process, ensuring that they integrated with the timeless character of Victoria Gate. The distinctive diamond shaped latticework covering the roof of the complex is echoed in the Parc Vue seat and the Loop cycle stand, making them the perfect addition to complement this impressive architectural structure.The result has encouraged bicycle use and reduced congestion, offering a space for visitors to rest and contemplate, without compromising on the aesthetics of the surrounding structure.

Victoria Gate is one half of Victoria Leeds; a beautiful shopping district, recognised as one of the premium shopping destinations in the North of England. The award-winning Victoria Gate opened in October 2016 and is a modern interpretation of Victoria Quarter, paying homage to the surrounding architecture. Artform were asked to supply a mixture of street furniture items to the prestigious city centre development. The products specified were the Parc Vue seats, with and without armrests, the Loop cycle stands and the Spencer litter bins. Artform also provided a full supply and installation service on this project.

Artform were specified to supply outdoor bench seating and litter bins to match the rest of the multi-million pound scheme for a new Waitrose store. The products specified were the Multiplicity backless bench and the Multiplicity litter bin which are both part of the award winning Multiplicity collection of integrated site furniture. The end result for the project was a newly completed store that reflected the attention to detail in the landscaping and visually reinforces the brand promise that the Waitrose name represents in the retail food marketplace – namely one of high quality and good taste.

Artform were approached by Gillespies to explore some ideas for using bespoke granite blocks on this new development at Wapping Wharf. Communication & coordination were key to making sure that the bespoke granite blocks were the precise measurements required for the lighting columns to be fitted correctly. The advice and experience provided by Artform helped to solve problems that other suppliers were unwilling to address or tackle. The particular aspect of this project that was most innovative was utilising the granite block for the functional purpose of a foundation for the lighting column, but in a decorative manner.

Artform suggested a mixture of sleek reconstituted granite and simple natural granite benches. Anastasio-Makatite benches were chosen to face out to sea and to partially form planting beds with a variety of local flowers. This helped to improve the appearance of the promenade as well as providing a wonderful vantage point for people to sit and take in the sea views. Local points of reference and historical facts were also included on floor plaques directly in front of the benches so that they could be viewed and enjoyed whilst sitting on the seats.

This simple but effective Boa installation has transformed what was previously an uninspiring and under-utilised space. In addition to introducing a welcome splash of vibrant colour, the welcoming feeling of informality conveyed by Boa has encouraged users to interact with the re-invented space spontaneously and to feel relaxed whilst gathering & lounging in the area.

This scheme was based around a prestigious new commercial office development which included a public realm space. The goal was to create an attractive outdoor space that would provide a relaxing outdoor environment for workers and serve as a communal space that the general public could also utilise. By diligently selecting a range of design led external furniture items from Artform Urban Furniture, the completed project has resulted in a sophisticated and popular external space that enhances the local area and will be enjoyed by a wide variety of people for many years to come.The Box Litter Bin is a popular option from Artform due to its flexible design options. The main structure is manufactured from a robust 6mm thick sheet with various options for the door finish. From the most popular timber-clad versions to Steel rods, and solid or laser-cut steel plate. For Wellington Place, the solid steel door with integrated ashtray was chosen with the addition of customised decals that coordinate with the area's recognisable branding. The design is simple and robust making it perfect in a whole host of external spaces. 

Wythenshawe Hospital has implemented a £17 million development to double its available resources for patients, staff and visitors. Included was the expansion of the children's Emergency Department, with a new purpose built paediatric area, specifically designed to improve the treatment for patients up to 16 years of age. Artform Urban were asked to provide colourful, free-standing seating for a courtyard space, adjacent to the paediatric area. The Loop Arc Bench was offered as a lightweight seating solution that could be weighted down while remaining moveable if necessary.

Artform Urban provide modern and stylish cantilever seating to a new Arts and Humanities facility, at the University of Liverpool. The Yoko Ono Lennon Centre is a newly built teaching and performance building, named in honour of Yoko Ono Lennon, an Honorary Graduate of the University (Hon LLD 2001), campaign ambassador and long-standing philanthropic supporter. It houses the 400 seat Tung Auditorium with space for a 70 piece orchestra, as well as a state of the art 600 seat lecture theatre. Architects and lead designers Ellis Williams worked alongside a number of acoustic and structural engineers in order to achieve optimum acoustic profile and capacity for the orchestra. Artform Urban was appointed by HA Civils to provide seating elements for the landscaped exterior space of the building. The Generation 50 Seat with cantilevered legs was specified for the project due to its minimal and contemporary design that includes a curved timber cladding that echoes that of the main entrance of the building. It is the first installation of Generation 50 in the UK. The Generation 50 range was designed by Robert Chipman and offers a flexible ensemble of style and mounting options.Available with four different cast aluminium powder-coated leg fixing options, a range of armrests and a number of timber options including ipe, jarrah, and thermally modified ash. Providing a perfect addition to complete a range of urban landscapes. The Yoko Ono Lennon Centre will develop a programme of new public-facing cultural highlights including concerts, lectures as well as other events in the University calendar, and will be the new home to the Music Department’s popular Lunchtime Concert Series.Yoko Ono Lennon said:“It gives me great pleasure to know that this centre will serve as a new opportunity for countless future artists and musicians to communicate their work with the local audience in Liverpool, and the world beyond. I can’t wait to see what exciting new work is on its way.” (source)