L Blocks

“L Blocks” a sculpture by Sophie Hermann. Designed specifically for this site in 2014 the work is composed of laminated timber, vinyl lettering, and a north Japanese hill cherry tree (Prunus sargentii), also known as Sargent’s cherry. 

‘L Blocks’ was commissioned to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the University of Waikato. The sculpture is made up of six large wooden structures in the shape of the letter ‘L’. Coincidentally positioned across the lawn next to the University’s categorized ‘L Block’, the form not only makes a potential play on this element of the site, but it is particularly designed in reference to the anniversary celebration, with ‘L’ being the roman numeral for 50. Hermann noted at the time that it represents “what was here before, where we’ve come from and where we are going”. This is demonstrated in the black and red colour scheme on five of the forms, a nod to the first five decades of the university, and the sixth looking to the future. 

The “blocks” are positioned in a grid, establishing a virtual connection to the surrounding pavers and alongside other elements of the composition grounding them on multiple levels to the broader environment. Some stand on their ends, representative of the Kahikatea and Tawa trees that once grew abundantly in the area. Others are laid on their back and sides, creating a multi purpose space in which people can view the artwork or simply relax and engage physically with the works. Cut into each of the blocks and across the glass surrounding the lawn are words to a poem identified by Hermann as ‘an artistic intervention that was created specifically for this site’: 

'Haere mai my friend, come,
There is a place for you here;
Where north stand five soldiers
And south the waka lands,
Where morning words escape bound books
And water-trees bathe at sundown.
Haere mai my friend, come,
This place is here.' 

It is a metaphorical reference to the four compass points as well as Hermann’s own invitation to the students and faculty to engage with the art, create a connection to the place it stands and in her own words ”make them yours”. The final element of the work is a single cherry tree. Positioned amongst the sculptural forms it offers a natural element to the composition, enhancing the site for visitors with shade in the Summer and offering sun in the Winter. Of the same family as a peach tree it references the nearby historical Peachgrove Road cultivation and a similar planting North-west of the site. 

Sophie Hermann has a Bachelor of Architecture and Architectural Science, a Master of Arts and Design and is a registered architect with award winning company Space Division, having practiced previously in New Zealand and Switzerland. Hermann’s art and architectural practice stems from a particular interest and investigation into site, context, spatial experience and the overlap between the languages of architecture, art and landscape.  

Hermann explains ‘L Blocks’ as a “site of exchange” and recognises the concept of genius loci in the piece. In Roman mythology the genius loci was the spirit of place. Today it embodies the atmosphere and culture of a place. L Blocks utilises text, engaging architecture, and serene landscaping to generate a space within the university that is inviting. It is designed to provide an open space of belonging and welcome, of reflection and repose, of time and timelessness. In this sense the artwork moves beyond its immediate space, as it opens one up to a more conceptual site of exchange.