The architecture collective Assemble has unveiled a unique public artwork named Fibredog in London's Regent's Park. This installation, which serves as a shelter, combines traditional thatch and timber. It is a key part of the Frieze Sculpture show, an annual art initiative that runs alongside the Frieze Art Fair.
Fibredog, designed by the Turner Prize-winning collective, aims to evoke a mythical creature. It aligns with the Frieze Sculpture theme, "In the Shadows," which explores darkness as a source of creativity. The structure is positioned among trees and logs, crafted to appear as a natural yet protective element within the landscape.
Key Takeaways
- Assemble's Fibredog is a public art installation and shelter in Regent's Park.
- The artwork uses thatch, timber, and wicker, drawing on folkloric traditions.
- It is part of the Frieze Sculpture show, complementing the "In the Shadows" theme.
- Fibredog highlights the potential of local and pre-industrial building materials.
- The installation will be on display until November 2, 2025, with plans for rehoming.
Designing Fibredog: A Blend of Folklore and Architecture
Assemble's design for Fibredog draws heavily on folkloric crafts and ancient customs. This includes global traditions of creating handmade figures to address anxieties. Examples of these traditions are the wicker man, worry dolls, and corn dollies.
The collective also incorporated elements from den-building culture and traditional thatch roofs. The park environment itself influenced the material choices. The structure features cedar, woven wicker, sedge-grass thatch, and guy ropes, creating a rich texture.
Interesting Fact
The Frieze Sculpture show attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, making public art accessible to a wide audience in London's iconic Regent's Park.
The Vision Behind the Structure
Maria Lisogorskaya, a partner at Assemble, explained the collective's approach. "Trained as architects, we are used to building objects at a larger scale generally, and for this year's Frieze Sculpture brief it felt even more exciting to create a sense of looming presence, a spectacular being, referencing the wicker man or an object which can be read as part of the landscape," she told Dezeen.
The goal was to create something that felt both imposing and integrated into its surroundings. This duality is central to the artwork's identity.
Exploring Human Impulse and Creativity
Another Assemble partner, Mary Anderson, elaborated on the conceptual threads. She noted how folkloric crafts and rituals offer a "cathartic creative framework." This framework helps people confront the unknown through making things.
"It's been interesting to highlight a human impulse to make things in the face of the unknown and the potential power of that for better or for worse," Anderson stated.
This perspective underscores the human need to create in response to uncertainty. Fibredog therefore acts as a physical representation of this ancient impulse.
Background on Assemble
Founded in 2010, Assemble is a multi-disciplinary collective. They work across architecture, design, and art. Their projects often involve community engagement and innovative use of materials. In 2015, they won the prestigious Turner Prize, becoming the first architecture collective to receive the award.
Craftsmanship and Material Innovation
The body of Fibredog mimics a thatched roof. This design provides actual shelter within the park. It also blurs the boundaries between architecture and art. The creation involved significant collaboration with skilled craftspeople.
- Basket Maker: Mollie McMillen
- Master Thatcher: Mark Harrington
- Structural Frame Manufacturer: UniFor (based outside of Milan)
This collaborative effort ensured the integration of traditional techniques with modern construction methods. The use of cedar for the structural frame, developed by UniFor, highlights this blend.
Highlighting Local and Sustainable Materials
Beyond its aesthetic and conceptual aspects, Assemble aimed for Fibredog to draw attention to the potential of local and pre-industrial materials. These materials often have a lower environmental impact and connect to historical building practices.
Mary Anderson emphasized the importance of this message. "While traditional building crafts like wicker and thatch might seem a world away from lots of Londoners' daily lives, reflecting on how things are made and what has been passed down through generations highlights a human capacity to question, invent and solve things," she explained.
She added that this capacity is vital to public consciousness and is currently "under threat." The project seeks to revitalize appreciation for these crafts.
Exhibition Details and Future Plans
Fibredog will be on display at Frieze Sculpture until November 2, 2025. This extended exhibition period allows a broad audience to experience the artwork.
Following the Frieze Sculpture show, Assemble plans to rehome the installation. They are currently in discussions with various parks and public spaces regarding its future placement. This ensures the artwork's longevity and continued public access.
Frieze London and Related Events
The main Frieze London art fair runs from October 15 to October 19, 2025. Frieze Sculpture acts as a complementary outdoor exhibition. These events collectively draw international attention to contemporary art and design in London.
Assemble's previous notable projects include the Granby Winter Garden in Liverpool. They also created "skatable sculptures" for the Creative Folkestone Triennial. These projects demonstrate their diverse approach to art and public space.