The proposal, submitted in June to Wandsworth Council on behalf of advertising company Wildstone, would replace the existing 30-year-old steel structure opposite Wandsworth Bridge Road with a timber and steel folly on a 724m² site.
If approved, the treehouse-like design would keep the overall scale and position of the existing installation ‘as closely as practicable’, according to planning documents, sitting at 27m tall. The new structure would boast displays measuring 14.2m by 4.6m, slightly larger than the four existing 14m-wide by 4m-high screens.
Tate + Co says in planning documents that proposal would reuse the existing concrete foundations, with four timber steel legs rising from the existing foundations before interweaving to create a canopy holding screens. Fabrication of parts will take place off-site.
The redesign is intended to create a ‘sculptural, nature-inspired landmark’ drawing on natural geometries, Art Nouveau and contemporary timber structures, as well as the hammerbeam roof structure of Westminster Hall, the practice says.
Tate + Co added that the material palette was intended to soften the visual impact of the advertising screens, with the timber lattice casting dappled shadows intended to echo nearby tree canopies.
At night, integrated lighting would illuminate the structure. The architects said this would be designed ‘without glare’.
The design was submitted following consultations with Wandsworth Council, highways authorities and Transport for London.
The application will now be decided by Wandsworth Council.