Designing spaces that help people’s positive mental and physical wellbeing is built into our core at Prologis. Placemaking is no longer just creating attractive public features - it’s also about providing healthy environments that support the people who use them. We promote this ethos at our parks around the country, creating environments for our customers and their employees to enjoy and benefit from.
Cambridge Biomedical Campus - a cradle of pioneering science and innovation - is no exception. With construction taking place on site, we wanted to foster positivity, beyond the walls of our buildings, through a striking public art project.
From researchers discovering the next cure for cancer, to doctors, healthcare staff and hospital patients, hundreds of exceptional people interact with the Campus in some form every day.
The power of positive messaging
Sensing a huge opportunity at the Campus, we collaborated with The Poetry Project to transform the construction hoardings at 2000 Discovery Drive with vibrant, inspirational poetry that aimed to encourage and uplift those who pass by.
Now, twelve poetry boards, spanning 100m of hoardings, display inspiring words and uplifting messages for all to see. For maximum impact, they were designed with a large typeface and bold colours, encouraging people to stop, read, and share across social media. It’s The Poetry Project’s largest scale installation to date, making a powerful statement to anyone passing by. Each panel, selected collaboratively by our site team, features a meaningful message to inspire and uplift.
Our poetry installation provides daily positivity, changes mindsets and brings people together at often challenging times.
“Bringing The Poetry Project to life at Prologis has been a fantastic experience,” said James McInerney, founder of The Poetry Project. “The team made it a truly collaborative process, from selecting the quotes to shaping the final designs. That level of creative freedom makes each installation feel special and unique to its location.
“It’s no secret that mental health is an issue for sectors like construction, and when left to slip under the radar, can lead to people being unwell and even considering suicide. We really don’t know how people are feeling when living their everyday lives. The impact that The Poetry Project can have at the Campus, and creating something that will resonate with others, is the most rewarding part of my work and it’s great to see companies like Prologis promoting positive wellbeing at their sites.”
Poetry, placemaking and PARKlife
The hoardings are a small but meaningful way to celebrate the strength of the human spirit and the importance of community in such a dynamic and vital place.
It’s a considered example of PARKlife, Prologis’ initiative that embodies our ethos to placemaking. Adaptations of the idea vary widely, but they all focus on improving spaces for everyone who uses them. This includes commissioning murals, building sculptures, and hosting events that engage the public and showcase the potential of art to revitalise urban environments.
Emily Bliss, from our Capital Deployment team and the driving force behind the partnership, said:
“We wanted to do something different at Discovery Drive by creating an installation that would genuinely support mental wellbeing and reflect the Campus’ ethos. The Poetry Project brought that vision to life through a meaningful piece of art that’s already making a difference.
“It’s been a joy working with James and the local Campus community, and I hope this inspires other construction projects around the Campus to get involved and help spread these uplifting messages even further.”
By bringing poetry to Cambridge Biomedical Campus, we hope to create moments of reflection and connection, reminding everyone who passes by that mental health matters.
