Health & Safety: Kings Cross Christmas Tree
Background
We Are OPS supported Kings Cross and Argent to deliver their Traditionally Untraditional Christmas Campaign in December 2020. As part of the campaign We Are The Fair were tasked with creating a sustainable and stand out festive activation, The Terrarium Christmas Tree installation in Coal Drops Yard. The brief was to create something visually stunning that could later be reused and repurposed in order to communicate a strong sustainability message.
The Terrarium Tree is a bespoke 10m stainless steel structure. In 2020 the tree was decorated with 70 living terrariums created by The Botanical Boys based in Coal Drops Yard alongside 168 mirror balls. Post event, each terrarium was re-homed to live its full life and the tree was dismantled and stored securely ready to be reinvented for the Kings Cross and Argent summer campaign.
In 2021 we were tasked with repurposing with the stainless steel structure to create a summer installation. The team worked with King’s Cross Artist in residence, Adam Nathanial to create the ‘Proud Little Pyramid’.
For Christmas 2021 the same structure and the aluminium panels from the Pyramid were repurposed to create Prism, a new Christmas tree, working with light artists, This is Loop.
Challenges
Designing a new site and facilities.
Ensuring covid protocols and guidance are followed at all times.
Installed in Coal Drops Yard and Granary Square whilst the spaces were open to the public – create and manage safe working exclusion zones.
Install involved the use of a lorry-mounted crane.
Ensuring all kit is weatherproof / has longevity & suitable to remain outside for 2 months.
Reviewing structural calculations and wind management planning.
Reimagining and reusing the core structure of the 2020 Terrarium Tree to create new and unique designs. For ‘Prism’ not only was the structure repurposed but the panels from ‘Proud Little Pyramid’ were repurposed and re-vinyl.
Results
Londonist top trees to see in 2020
Time Out coverage
Terrarium Tree built as a sustainable and unique creation that can live on beyond Christmas, rehoming 70 living terrariums post event
Prism and Proud Little Pyramid received coverage in Dezeen
