For Park Hill, Matthew undertook research through site visits and meetings to develop a proposal which aimed to explore and celebrate the Brutalist language of concrete and to tell the international and local story around the vision for Brutalism and Modernism in Sheffield.
Working with S1 Artist Group we gathered quotes from key figures in the modernism movement as well as local residents which are cast into 10 cast concrete ‘pages’ which echo the facade of Park Hill. One side features quotes from the architects, theorists and historians of modernism, the alternate side features quotes from local Sheffield people, former residents and people with a connection to Park Hill. At a time of change when some Brutalist development have been torn down but other remaining Brutalist buildings are being creatively reimagined it is important to capture the wide range of views and experiences of the movement.
In addition we worked with Sheffield Poet Laureate Otis Mensah whos specially commissioned Poem 'We were never derelict' was built into steel screens, concrete and steel seating and used a special font designed for the project by Founded Design. The font is available for anyone to download and use for free: www.parkhilltype.com
