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Sheffield stone planters

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The sculptural planters in Tudor Square, Sheffield (Spring 2010)Non-contact 3D laser scanning one of the three small-scale sculptures (maquettes) hand-carved by the artist Stephen BroadbentScreenshot of a 3D digital model created by laser scanning one maquetteScreenshot of the 3D digital model of one of the planters during re-design of the internal structure. This internal structure would accommodate the soil, plants and their root-balls once the planter had been produced in stone.Screenshot of the 3D digital model of the re-worked seating area on one of the planters (viewed from above)Screenshot of the 3D digital model of one of the planters split into sections in preparation for production in stone by Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) machining.One of the blocks during CNC machining into sandstone. This block forms the end of a seating area on one of the planters.On-site installation of one of the plantersOne of the planters in Tudor Square, Sheffield, complete with soil and plantsOne of the planters in Tudor Square, SheffieldA small planter filled with plants and soilThe completed planters in Tudor Square, SheffieldThe completed planters in Tudor Square, Sheffield

In spring 2010 Sheffield's Tudor Square re-opened to the public following major refurbishment. Seating had been integrated into raised planter beds created in natural stone.

These sculptural planters were designed by the artist Stephen Broadbent, who used as his inspiration the industrial and natural environment of Sheffield. Based in part on natural pebbles and boulders, the highly organic designs were initially hand-made in plaster by Stephen at one tenth the size of the final sculptures. Using 3D laser scanning, we produced highly accurate computer models of the small scale sculptures (maquettes).

These 3D digital models were scaled-up to produce full size datasets which were then used to produce the sculptural planters in natural sandstone. Working closely with Sheffield City Council and Stephen Broadbent, we further modified the digital data to add additional sections and refine the virtual designs. Precise seating areas and bespoke internal structures were created before the digital models were split into sections of suitable size for production by Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) machining by Myers Group in Huddersfield.

In total, using the re-modelled data sets created by 3D laser scanning, 173 individual planter sections were machined into sandstone blocks weighing up to three and a half tonnes each. Once installed on site, these blocks created ten planters which range in size from 3 metres to over 10 metres in diameter. The planters, now complete with seating and landscaping, have been installed between the Crucible Theatre and the Winter Gardens in Tudor Square and are receiving a great response from the residents of Sheffield.

Acknowledgements

  • Sheffield City Council
  • Stephen Broadbent

National Museums Liverpool

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