05 June 2009
An exciting new complex in Lincoln is to be opened in an unusual and highly original way. Think Tank is the city’s new and inspiring building which offers managed workspace to innovative businesses. And instead of cutting the traditional ribbon, local dignitaries will help to unveil the new building by assembling a brand new ‘installation’ at the site.
Designed to reflect the innovative nature of the complex, the installation is a sculpture-based 3D signboard, which will be in the reception area of Think Tank. It will feature information such as building navigation, and display inspirational quotes, such as Think Tank’s strap line: inspiration, innovation, enterprise.
The structure is a square base plate which features ‘pegs’ or wooden posts. As well as the quotes and signage each new company moving into the building is given a peg with their company details featured on the top of the post. Any unused pegs can be moved around to create interesting patterns. At the launch, visiting dignitaries will be invited to insert posts into the structure, marking the official opening of the building.
This pioneering installation is the brainchild of local graphic design company, Optima Design, who worked with Think Tank on their corporate identity and logo, building signage and marketing material. Optima also work on an ongoing basis with British Gypsum, World Wildlife Fund, University of Lincoln, Lincolnshire-based Branston, Tesco and, most recently, Corus.
The installation has been built by Cowley Timberwork at their workshops in Waddington; a company specialising in innovative structural timber projects. They’re responsible for a diverse range of wooden structures, including the Debating Chamber roof of the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh and a model of the Alishan Bridge in Taiwan. They’ve also worked closely with American artist Frank Stella.
Cowley used a special type of wood, called Thermowood, to create the posts. Sourced from Finland, the wood is a type of heat-treated pine, which is cooked to around a temperature of 180°C in controlled conditions so it doesn’t burn but develops a rich milk chocolate colour. This drives off the sugars and resins so that it’s no longer of interest to bacteria or bugs. The process helps to give the sculpture dimensional stability. Once it was sourced, Cowley laminated the wood into the complex shapes needed to produce the structure.
“At Cowley, we specialise in anything that’s technically challenging and involves an element of design work with wood, like the installation for Think Tank,” explains managing director Gordon Cowley. “We have a very broad pallet of design experience because we’re design based, not product based. And if it’s challenging, we’ll find a way to do it!”
Using a brand-new lasering technique in the Hatch Centre for Creative Industry Development at the University of Lincoln, each of the posts has been engraved with an inspirational quote or message. For example:
“Think big, not small. It takes just as long to do both, so go big”
Sháá Wasmund, internet entrepreneur
“Success depends on inspiration and innovation, applied with tenacity - General Motors please note”
Nick Hewer, Alan Sugar’s right-hand man on The Apprentice
“What’s inspiring about the future, is its promise of innovation and creativity”
Jason Bradbury, presenter of The Gadget Show
The launch, on Wednesday 10th June, will officially open the Think Tank offices. The £7.1m building houses 21 managed offices and nine workspaces, with conference and meeting facilities also available. The new, hi-tech, energy-efficient, cost-effective managed offices and workspaces are designed for innovative local business. The complex is part of the East Midlands Innovation Strategy, which recognises the need to create physical places where all types of business innovation will be encouraged, developed, celebrated and supported.
For more information on locating your business within Think Tank, please contact Rob Smith or Tracey 01522 873443.
For more information on Cowley Timberwork please visit http://www.cowleytimberwork.co.uk
For more information on the Hatch please visit http://www.theccid.co.uk
For further information please contact: Caroline Ashman – Senior Communications Officer – 01522 873443 – (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) Alternatively, contact Julian Havenhand or Rachel Shaw on 01522 522773
