Sculptural Totems
Commissioned by Aberdeen City Council, the Sculptural Totems at Woodside form a series of striking vertical artworks designed to enliven the public realm and create a sense of place within the Woodside area of Aberdeen. Fabricated by Sculpture & Design, the project was developed in close collaboration with artist Hamish Bigg, whose approach blends storytelling, material sensitivity, and contemporary sculptural language.
The totems are constructed from a carefully selected palette of Douglas fir, concrete, stainless steel, acrylic, woodstain, and anti-graffiti coating, materials chosen for their durability, natural warmth, and ability to withstand long-term outdoor exposure in an urban environment. Each element was fabricated and finished in-house, ensuring precision, structural integrity, and a seamless blend of natural and engineered materials.
Completed in 2024, the totems bring texture, rhythm, and narrative to the streetscape. Their verticality draws the eye and helps anchor the surrounding environment, while the interplay of timber grain, smooth concrete, and reflective steel gives the work a dynamic presence throughout changing weather and light conditions. Together, the sculptures contribute to a welcoming and visually engaging public space, expressing Woodside's evolving identity through thoughtful contemporary design.
The totems are constructed from a carefully selected palette of Douglas fir, concrete, stainless steel, acrylic, woodstain, and anti-graffiti coating, materials chosen for their durability, natural warmth, and ability to withstand long-term outdoor exposure in an urban environment. Each element was fabricated and finished in-house, ensuring precision, structural integrity, and a seamless blend of natural and engineered materials.
Completed in 2024, the totems bring texture, rhythm, and narrative to the streetscape. Their verticality draws the eye and helps anchor the surrounding environment, while the interplay of timber grain, smooth concrete, and reflective steel gives the work a dynamic presence throughout changing weather and light conditions. Together, the sculptures contribute to a welcoming and visually engaging public space, expressing Woodside's evolving identity through thoughtful contemporary design.
