Bartlett staff win First Prize for 'experimental structure' at Bergen International Wood Festival

'Lofty Lady' was the winning entry at the Bergen International Wood Festival this year.

Created by The Bartlett's Lauren Shevills, Tom Svilans and Nick Westby, the twisting sculptural form (pictured) spanning 20 metres through a square in the old city centre, was awarded first prize. The form – composed of over 320 curved timber profiles – was fabricated as a result of a fast-paced and highly choreographed sequence of assembly and logistics using only hand tools and jigs and templates created on-site. 

With Bergen's rich heritage of timber construction – including its waterfront UNESCO heritage site – the Bergen Arts Academy runs a biannual festival and competition to foster and celebrate imaginative use of the material. The competition seeks to generate a conversation between professionals and amateurs alike, bringing together various different backgrounds and nationalities around the craft of wood construction. This year, 23 competing groups from 18 countries descended into the heart of the old city in Bergen over 5 days to construct their interventions and contribute to the local culture and urban art life.