Scaffolding is one of the most versatile tools in construction today. Working at height means we can renovate existing structures with relative ease, and build new structures that tower above everything else.
What’s more, modern scaffolding is safer than ever before, thanks to innovative techniques and robust safety regulations in place. People who live in urban areas will see scaffolding almost every day of their lives. Perhaps it is unsurprising, then, that scaffolding is being used in ways that the inventors never intended. In this post, we take a look at scaffolding being used a little differently.
In art
Such is its versatility and adaptability, modular scaffolding can be used in almost any major building project. It is these qualities which make it such a fantastic medium for art. Using scaffolding, artists are able to quickly assemble larger-than-life constructs on a temporary basis.
This also means that the art installations themselves are highly transportable, and artists can take down a project and reassemble it to the same design in a completely different part of the country - or even the world.
One example is Ben Long’s scaffold lion, originally assembled in Tottenham in 2012. The sculpture, which took six months to achieve, was over 10 metres tall when completed. It was intended to reflect the way an urban landscape can change and adapt, making the use of a heraldic English lion all the more fitting for the capital.
Ben Long describes the project:
“I’ve always loved Landseer’s lions in Trafalgar Square but I suppose what I am offering is an alternative to stone or bronze monuments – Scaffolding Sculptures reflect the change and evolution that the urban environment is constantly subjected to. Scaffolding is a modular and adaptable system, and so too are my sculptures. If you view each sculpture that I have made chronologically, you can see the progression and how with each stage I get a little better at mastering this unconventional medium."
It isn’t the only sculpture long has made using scaffolding - he’s built others, including a stag and a horse.
Entertainment
Scaffolding has been used to great effect in the movies, too. Although we might immediately think of action films where the protagonist is made to fight his enemies on the side of buildings, it’s often used behind the scenes. Stunt drivers are a good example, since they will erect ramps supported by scaffolding to achieve incredible car jumps across large spaces.
Scaffolding is also useful for providing a proper platform for lighting a set, which can often be a challenge in unpleasant conditions. As long as it is properly maintained and inspected, scaffolding can stand up to the elements and make sure the lighting is just right for the scene.
Lastly, scaffolding is also highly useful for creating extra, temporary seating at public events. During the last World Cup, the Yekaterinburg Arena had to undergo some hasty additions in the form of scaffolding-based seating to add to the capacity of the stadium.
Although the finished product looked intimidating to some visitors and journalists, the structure was actually a remarkable success. It added 8,000 seats and was thus able to qualify for the minimum attendance as set by FIFA.
Scaffolding rewards creativity, and we prove this every time we work for a client. To find out more about the innovative solutions offered by modern scaffolding, get in touch with a member of our friendly team today.