Introduction

Please note : The project was recenetly installed, more photos to follow.

SOUND AND VISION is a permanent public bandstand conceived and designed by Tom Pearman for Green Park at Linmere, Houghton Regis. Pearman developed the complete visual and spatial design of the bandstand and its plinth, with the detailed fabrication and structural engineering subsequently developed in collaboration with specialist contractors and consultants.

Conceived as both an artwork and a functional public structure, the project offers a contemporary reinterpretation of the traditional park bandstand, retaining its historic role as a place for gathering, music and performance while reinterpreting the form for a contemporary public space.

Sound and waveforms

The design takes its visual language from four fundamental sound waveforms , sine, square, sawtooth and triangle , which are translated into the structure through line, pattern, perforation and colour.

A key feature is a series of perforated panels integrated into the roof of the bandstand. Daylight passing through the panels projects patterns of circles, squares and triangles onto the surfaces below, creating an additional layer of changing light and shadow throughout the day.

The completed work forms a distinctive focal point within the park while providing shelter, seating and a place for people to gather, perform and make music.

Community engagement

The project was developed alongside a programme of creative engagement with Thornhill School and The Chiltern School, exploring sound, play and the surrounding park through workshops and audio recording.

Interpretation panels will be installed alongside the bandstand, presenting material from the engagement programme and providing access to audio recordings created through the project.

A dedicated project website also provides access to material generated through the programme:

Project website

linmerebandstand.tompearman.co.uk

Project team

Artist / Concept + Bandstand Design — Tom Pearman
Client / Master Developer — Lands Improvement (LIH)
Fabrication Development + Installation — A.J Wells & Sons
Landscape Architecture — Stantec
Structural Engineering — Waterman Group
Planning — Arrow Planning
Landscape Construction — Frosts Landscape Construction

The project was realised through a collaborative technical development process involving public art, specialist fabrication, structural engineering, landscape architecture and construction.

Opening

An official opening will take place in September 2026, bringing together a brass band and community event to celebrate the completion of the bandstand and its role as a new community focal point for Linmere.