As part of a wider Art at the Centre scheme that supported the area of regeneration through culture, Superconductor 160607 by Gaia Alessi & Richard Bradbury, was a bold and adventurous artwork which created a huge, temporary maze-like structure, designed specifically for the former Twyford factory site on the Isle of Sheppey. Measuring 30m x 30m, Superconductor 160607 consisted of a complex system of chambers and passages where visitors could roam and explore the future building site.
Built following a plan from 13th Century Islamic architecture, Superconductor 160607 raised questions about the architectural and built environment alongside its function as a stimulating and enjoyable installation that encouraged exploration and play. It was constructed from two ever-present materials in the contemporary cityscape: scaffolding poles and high-visibility perforated plastic sheeting. These materials are purely functional, yet curiously magnetic. Whilst scaffold is a very quick, safe and reliable method of building a temporary structure, it is also a rather elegant one that is easily overlooked, since scaffolding is never considered as anything other than a means to an end.
The installation gave the local community a unique opportunity to suggest and influence plans for the future redevelopment scheme. The results of the sessions were displayed at The Gateway community centre where visitors were invited to add comments and further suggestions.
There was an accompanying exhibition at the Castle Gallery, Queenborough, showing film, photographs and drawings of Superconductor 160607.
Superconductor was supported by Arts Council England, SEEDA, Swale Borough Council and Boddingtons Ltd.
