Pipes Up was an design initiative between St James, a leading property development company, Futurecity, a cultural placemaking agency and the architecture department at the RCA to define new narratives for public realms in the 21stcentury. The brief was to Deliver ‘design elements’, including seating, that support a range of uses including socialising, working, eating and play in the public realm. Create a design icon for Albert Embankment and St James, equal to the landmark architecture, that helps to support and create a coherent sense of place. Introduce and celebrate the area’s heritage whilst at the same time reflecting the new role this area will play as the gateway to Nine Elms. Symbolise the marriage of science, art, technology, design and industry - values inherent in the cultural diversity that encompasses Albert Embankment.