Pillars of the Broads

This temporary installation in the heart of Norwich city centre was designed to reimagine the connection between urban life and the natural world – inviting both residents and visitors to discover the Broads National Park across all seasons.
Thirteen sculptural pillars, each composed of stacked cubes of varying heights, formed a dynamic and interactive presence in the public realm. Together, they created a trail of discovery – each face of the cubes offering a different lens through which to view the Broads. The content spanned from practical and recreational (activities, walking routes, and wayfinding) to poetic and playful
(children’s poems and folklore), revealing the multifaceted identity of the landscape.
Panels showcased: Indigenous wildlife and plant life  /  Seasonal activities and family-friendly adventures  /  Historical and contemporary photography  /  Cultural sites and hidden gems to explore  /  Art, folklore, and local legends.
Complementing the upright structures were concrete base blocks featuring sandblasted illustrations, wayfinding prompts, and poetic etchings by children, grounding the installation in tactile engagement and intergenerational storytelling. This project transformed a city space into a portal – an invitation to pause, imagine, and explore the landscapes just beyond the city’s edge. It celebrated not just a destination, but a way of seeing: where nature, culture, and story converge.

Concept, design and typography by Richard Wolfströme
A Creative Giants project
Main map, plant and animal illustrations by Tom Barrett
Children's art, haikus and kennings poetries with thanks to pupils from Caister Junior School and Charter Academy
Fabrication and installation by SetWorks
Printing and laser-etching by Standard 8
The Broads Pillars installation was funded and supported by
Interred European Regional Development Fund
Norfolk County Council
Broads Authority
Norwich The City of Stories
The Forum   
↑Back to Top