AIM

The Eudaemonium stands in the square as a symbol of a community’s hidden treasure and acts as a physical marker within the landscape to encourage people to collect and share routes to well-being with one-another.

There is a hidden locked bookcase built within the spine of the sculpture, which houses the compendium of recipes and remedies or routes to well-being. 

Disclaimer: We know that Altrincham is spelt with G here - it is a compendium from 1290 so we have used the original spelling ‘Altringham’

CONCEPT

The concept responds to the setting. A space shared by health centre, pharmacy, library, food market and places to eat and drink. Each of these facilities contributes in its own way to health and well-being, whether physically or mentally. Combining these facilities points to a holistic approach to health.

Eudaemonium is a living book that grows as people participate. A collection of recipes, remedies and recommendations for health and well-being in the widest sense - anything from family recipes to tips on how to enjoy life.

The title is an invented word derived from the Ancient Greek concept of eudaimonia or happiness gained through ‘human flourishing’ (aka wellness of mind and body).

MATERIALS

The Eudemonium book structure is fabricated out of extremely hard and durable marine hardwood with an attached cast bronze spine and decorative corners. The carved inlays create the feel of a medieval book.