Paleys upon Pilers
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Sitting next to St. Botolph's without Aldgate
Studio Weave Download Original
Paleys upon Pilers was inspired by two dream poems written by Chaucer while resident in Aldgate. The poems depict elevated, dream-like temples of impossible intricacy
Paleys Upon Pilers celebrates Aldgate and its distinguished literary resident Geoffrey Chaucer. The historic eastern gateway into the City of London remains a strategic position in London today, marking the beginning of High Street 2012. The pavilion also signals the change that is due to take place in this area over the next decade.
Our design was inspired by two dream poems by Chaucer, which he wrote while resident in the rooms above the gate from 1374 to 1386. The House of Fame and The Parliament of Fowls both include images of fantastic dream-like temples of impossible materials and scale, elevated on precarious structures.The design consists of a timber embroidery and sits in the air above the busy Aldgate High Street, supported on pillars decorated with images from the illuminated manuscripts.
The project has recently received approval for planning permission on its present site to be extended from three months to one year.
Data
- Begun: Jun 2012
- Completed: Jul 2012
- Floor area: 38m2
- Sectors: Public realm, Arts and culture
- Total cost: £52,000
- Procurement: Traditional
- Address: Pedestrian island at junction of Aldgate Street, St. Botolph Street and Aldgate High Street, London, EC3, United Kingdom
Professional Team 
- Architect: Studio Weave
- Client: London Festival of Architecture 2012, 4C Hotel Group
- Structural engineer: Structure Workshop
- Development manager: M3 Consulting
- Planning consultant: DP9
- Main contractor: AB3 Workshops
- Pattern Design and Print: Linda Florence
Suppliers
- Timber Supplier: BSW Timber
