'The Modernist Glade' Art Installation in Station Square, Milton Keynes

Overview “The Modernist Glade” is a £426,000 temporary art installation that has transformed Station Square, the gateway to Milton Keynes. Conceived by Hayatsu Architects and artist Tue Greenfort, the project explores the hidden communication network between trees, fungus, and insects—an ecological concept central to its design. Commissioned by Milton Keynes Council and Milton Keynes Development Partnership (MKDP), the installation will remain in place until 2023, after which Station Square will undergo permanent redevelopment.

When the creative team required a stable, elevated workspace to assemble the intricate wooden framework and artistic elements, Milton Keynes Scaffolding Specialists LTD was engaged to deliver a custom scaffolding solution that balanced safety, practicality, and respect for the site’s high public visibility.

Challenge

• Busy public space: Station Square experiences constant pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Ensuring minimal disruption while maintaining public safety was paramount.
• Unique ecological theme: The artwork is designed to represent natural structures and the subtle “communication” between trees, fungi, and insects. Our scaffolding needed to accommodate irregular shapes and maintain a minimal visual footprint.
• Artistic collaboration: Effective communication with Hayatsu Architects and Tue Greenfort was essential to align scaffolding placement with the creative vision.

Our Approach

1. Site Assessment & Collaboration
   We began with an in-depth review of the artists’ plans and on-site conditions. By engaging directly with the architects and artist, we understood the design intent—allowing us to tailor a scaffolding layout that seamlessly integrated with the evolving wooden framework.

2. Custom Scaffolding Design
   Given the installation’s size and complexity, we devised a multi-level scaffold that offered safe access to every portion of the structure. Platforms were configured to accommodate sculptural elements and to help the team move materials efficiently.

3. Safety & Public Accessibility

   • Secure Barriers: We installed clear signage, guardrails, toe boards, and designated pedestrian walkways to guide passersby and protect them from falling debris.
   • Public-Facing Approach: The design accounted for Station Square’s open environment by minimizing the project footprint and ensuring continuous safe passage around the site.

4. Adaptive Execution
   As “The Modernist Glade” developed, our scaffolders adjusted platform heights and widths to fit the evolving installation. This nimble approach allowed construction to proceed smoothly without compromising artistic or safety standards.

Outcome

• Safe, Efficient Construction: The artists could focus on bringing their ecological vision to life, confident in a secure, well-designed scaffolding system.
• Minimal Disruption: By combining a tight footprint with clear public guidance, we preserved Station Square’s functionality for commuters and visitors.
• Artistic Integrity Maintained: Collaboration with the design team ensured our scaffolding supported the installation’s organic shapes and themes, rather than obstructing them.
• Timely Completion: With our adaptable and proactive support, the project progressed on schedule, unveiling a striking new addition to Milton Keynes’ cultural landscape.

Conclusion

Milton Keynes Scaffolding Specialists LTD is proud to have supported “The Modernist Glade,” a thought-provoking exploration of natural communication networks. Our custom scaffolding solution helped bring Hayatsu Architects and Tue Greenfort’s ambitious vision to life, showcasing the city’s commitment to innovation, public art, and collaboration. By providing safe and flexible access in a high-traffic environment, we contributed to a landmark project that enriches the artistic and cultural fabric of Milton Keynes.