Footprint

Here is Matthew Lloyd Architects‘ solar lift at the Duke of York steps near the ICA. The project came about because of the practice’s prior involvement with Architecture-InsideOut, an Arts Council-funded group which works with disability and architecture. Partners Lloyd and Woodward approached the LFA about potential projects and when the Duke of York steps was suggested, the idea of the lift was obvious because it related well to the LFA theme ‘Welcoming City,’ according to Lloyd.  ’The steps are massive with zero access for anyone who isn’t fit,’ explains Lloyd.

The 8-person lift is dimensioned to accommodate a wheelchair. The detail design was developed with the Royal Engineers in Nottingham during a charrette which resulted in the solar-powered concept. Because the steps are Grade 1 listed, the lift could not be fixed to the steps and it is secured by weight alone. Fully loaded, it weighs 3 tonnes.

Launch last Saturday with Will Alsop as John Nash, Paul Finch as the Grand Old Duke of York and developer Roger Zogolovitch as the Prince Regent. Read more on the AJ website here.

The architects are now in discussion with LOCOG about the possibility of providing three lifts on the site during the Olympics to make the steps more accessible during the volleyball events which will be held at Horse Guards Parade. The architects hope to patent the design.

Project Partners and Supporters

Shape: Disability-led arts organisation; Wendover Green Ltd Photovoltaic cells, electrics and input to engineering and construction (enquiries@wendovergreen.com); Price & Myers Structural; T Good & Sons Steel frame; Capital Models Model, prototypes, components and manufacture; Gordon Sellers FIET CFIOSH  Safety Management Consultant; Stonewest Ltd Site support for installation on Grade 1 Listed Duke of York Steps; Whale Water pumps; Sanyo HIT solar panels; Pfaff-Silberblau Skates and pulleys; Perspex for lift sides sales.chelmsford@perspex.co.uk; Hamar Acrylic Fabrications Ltd Acrylic; Perseverance Works, space for lift manufacture; Ralco Tubings Ltd Water hoses; Interfluid Hydraulics Ltd Bespoke hydraulic pistons; Pirtek UK Ltd Hydraulic hoses; SMA Solar Technology Off-grid battery charger and inverterAce Controls Hydraulic dampers.

The lengthy list of supporters is an indicator of the herculean project management behind making this project happen. The LFA provided Arts Council seed funding of £10,000 towards the lift whose cost Lloyd estimates at £40,000 (without labour).  RIBA London offered in kind support, materials and some direct funding through sponsorship. Great to see this kind of energy from a small practice behind a public installation of this kind.

The lift is in situ until July 4.

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