A.J Wells & Sons worked with artist Tom Pearman and the wider project team to develop and install Sound and Vision, a permanent public bandstand for Green Park at Linmere in Houghton Regis. Designed as both an artwork and a functional public structure, the bandstand offers a contemporary interpretation of a traditional park feature and provides a new place for people to gather, perform and enjoy music.

The design takes its inspiration from four fundamental sound waveforms: sine, square, sawtooth and triangle. These forms are expressed through the structure using pattern, line, perforation and colour. Perforated roof panels allow sunlight to pass through and project changing circles, squares and triangles onto the surfaces beneath, adding another visual element as the light changes throughout the day.

Our team was responsible for the fabrication development and installation, working closely with Tom Pearman, Waterman Group, Stantec and the wider delivery team to turn the original artistic concept into a permanent structure suitable for its public setting.

The completed bandstand provides shelter, seating and a focal point within the park, while retaining the strong artistic identity at the heart of Pearman’s original design. Community engagement formed another important part of the project, with Thornhill School and The Chiltern School taking part in workshops exploring sound, play and the surrounding park. Interpretation panels and audio material created through the programme will form part of the finished installation.

An official community opening is planned for September 2026.

Photography: Sean Pollock and Tom Pearman