'Bland Castles' have been built on a Morecambe beach to put the spotlight on a growing epidemic of boring buildings.
A group of sand artists created a city of ‘Bland Castles’, ranging up to 3m high.
The one-day takeover on Morecambe South beach on Wednesday, by the Humanise campaign, aims to draw national attention to uninspired, soulless buildings across the world.
As part of the playful protest, beachgoers were invited to create and decorate their own sand-sculpted buildings to show how, when the public have a say, they can’t help but build something more joyful.
“The Humanise campaign’s ‘Bland Castles’ beach takeover is a poignant idea, because it’s both powerful and also very playful," said Thomas Heatherwick, campaigner and designer.
Taking the beautifully simple act of building sandcastles on a beach yet making them boring and soulless.
"That’s what’s been happening in our towns and cities for far too long. The places where we live, that are meant to lift us up, are instead bringing us down.
"But just look at what’s happening at Morecambe Bay when the public are invited to be involved. They, of course, don’t want soulless blocks, but instead are creating interesting, uplifting structures. Proof, if we really do still need it, that human beings need joyful human buildings with complexity, detail and interestingness.”
Abigail Scott Paul, Global Head of the Humanise Campaign, said: “Our surroundings shape how we feel – and it’s clear that people don’t want bland! By bringing our campaign to the beach, we’re hoping to inspire everyone to build with joy, and to involve people who might have felt locked out of conversations about the buildings in their communities.
"We’re inviting everyone to join the campaign to humanise the buildings in our towns and cities – whether you're a local campaigner, a lover of good design, or just someone who cares what their town or city looks and feels like.”
The event in Morecambe was originally scheduled to take place on Monday but was delayed due to the strong winds brought by Storm Floris.
Further arrests as police continue probe into stabbing and disorder on Lancaster estate
Annual recovery run on Morecambe Prom to bring community together
Morecambe FC registration embargo lifted after pension fund issues resolved
Heysham Port owners appoint new COO
Lancaster city centre venue closes for revamp as announcement made on new owners
Passenger injured in road crash at Hest Bank
Renewed appeal to find missing man believed to be heading towards Lancaster
Rebrand plans revealed for Lancaster Railway Station cafe
Family's emotional farewell after 15 years at village pub near Lancaster
Pedestrian has surgery for injuries after collision in Morecambe with e-biker who then rode off
Mechanical elephant once used as children's ride returns home to Lancaster
Lancaster solar-powered electric vehicle charging hub plans given go-ahead
Family appeal for help after Carnforth engineer’s asbestos-related death
Motorist seriously injured in Carnforth road crash
Lancaster food charity unveil new permanent base in Morecambe
Work completed at new solar energy farm in Lancaster
Lancaster MP to run 10K race to help fund £150k children's playground scheme
Family leaves hotel in Morecambe after 73 years after acquisition by top international chain
More details announced for Light Up Lancaster
Residents rally round to protect Morecambe play area from vandals
