The challenge was not simply to recreate the Abbey's arches, but to capture their rhythm, elegance and sense of movement within a modern piece of design.
The resulting form appears simple and effortless, yet beneath its flowing curves lies an exceptionally complex digital structure. Every surface, intersection and curve was carefully modelled to create a sculpture that feels both organic and architectural—a piece that changes character as it is viewed from different angles.
Although inspired by centuries-old architecture, the finished award has a distinctly contemporary aesthetic, reflecting the way Stuart Melrose often combines historical influences with modern materials, digital technology and innovative manufacturing techniques.
One of the Studio's Most Complex Digital Models
What appears to be a clean, sculptural form is, in reality, one of the most technically demanding digital models the studio had created at that point in its development.
Creating the intricate interlocking geometry required countless hours of digital modelling, refinement and problem-solving before the design could even be considered for manufacture. Every curve had to flow seamlessly into the next while maintaining the structural integrity needed for production.
The project also marked an important milestone in the studio's exploration of digital fabrication. At the time, 3D printing was still a relatively new part of Stuart Melrose's creative process, and the Reading Cultural Awards trophy became the most ambitious print undertaken to date.
The finished design was simply too large and complex to fit onto the available printer bed, requiring every award to be carefully engineered into multiple sections before being individually printed, assembled and finished by hand. The experience proved invaluable, laying the foundations for many future projects involving advanced 3D modelling, rapid prototyping and digital manufacturing.
Celebrating Reading's Creative Community
Designing the Reading Cultural Awards trophy was more than simply creating an object—it was an opportunity to contribute to an event that celebrates the people and organisations shaping Reading's cultural identity.
Inspired by one of the town's most significant historic landmarks and realised through contemporary digital craftsmanship, the finished award became a fitting symbol of creativity, innovation and community.
Looking back, the project represents an important moment in the evolution of the Stuart Melrose studio. It demonstrated how heritage, architecture and emerging technology could be brought together to create meaningful contemporary design—an approach that continues to define the studio's work today.
Project Highlights
• Official trophy design for the Reading Cultural Awards 2018
• Inspired by the historic arches of Reading Abbey Ruins
• One of the studio's most technically complex 3D models
• Early exploration of advanced 3D printing and digital fabrication
• Printed in multiple sections before hand assembly
• Combined local architectural heritage with contemporary design
• Created to celebrate Reading's outstanding cultural community
