A “symbolic landmark” could be installed in front of Bradford City Hall as part of the District’s City of Culture celebrations.
The new temporary pavilion in Centenary Square would “provide a space for unity, belonging and shared experiences” – according to a planning application that has just been submitted to Bradford Council.
If approved, the structure – made up of a number of linked archways partly inspired by the Gothic architecture of City Hall – would be installed next month.
The plans were drawn up by a partnership of Bradford based Faum Architecture and artist Zarah Hussain, and have been submitted by the Bradford Culture Company – the group involved in commissioning events and art installations for 2025.
Referring to the relationship with City Hall, the application says the pavilion will “complement, not overwhelm” the “Grade I listed masterpiece of gothic revival architecture.”
It says the series of arches are inspired by both City Hall and the original archways that surrounded the holy Mosque of Mecca, and bring together Western and Eastern architectural styles.
It would be made of plywood with LED lighting in each of the arches. The arches would be three metres high, and the pavilion would be fifteen metres long.
Centenary Square is a public space in front of City Hall that is regularly used for events such as BD: Fest, Bradford Pride and Bradford Literature Festival.
It often hosts temporary structures, such as stages or the Literature Festival hub and book store.
The planning application is the latest to be submitted by the Bradford Culture Company in recent months for art installations for City of Culture.
It follows the recently approved application for a 15-metre-tall sculpture in a new pocket park on Hall Ings and a sculpture trail at Penistone Hill Country Park near Haworth, which is yet to be decided on by planners.
The application for the Pavillion says: “The installation will be right in the centre of Bradford. The location has been chosen deliberately to provoke meaningful interaction.
“The space will be a central focal point within Bradford in which people and communities from all backgrounds can engage.
“The purpose of the installation is to connect communities, bridge cultural and religious divides and remind people that this is a sanctuary designed specifically for Bradford.
“The concept creates a connecting cloister that leads to Bradford’s most well known landmark – Bradford City Hall, a magnificent architectural piece of Gothic revival that has retained its glory throughout the city’s history.
“It is only fitting to celebrate this landmark by positioning the pavilion in front of its central arched entrance – echoing the architectural language of City Hall.
“The proposed pavilion’s four sided vaulted archway adopts the traditional form of a double arch, blending the Gothic revival pointed arch with the softer archway seen in the early courtyards surrounding the holy Mosque of Mecca.
“This simplified form is intentionally created to ensure that the pavilion is universal, resonating with both Western and Eastern cultures.
“The proposed pavilion serves as a respectful addition to Centenary Square, enhancing the historic setting of Bradford City Hall, a Grade I listed masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture.
“Drawing on architectural elements inspired by both Gothic and Islamic traditions, the pavilion creates a contemporary structure that complements the rich detailing of City Hall without overwhelming its character.
“The pavilion adds to the narrative of the space by encouraging reflection and connection.”
A decision on the application is expected in March.
By: Chris Young, LDRS
