It’s easy to get bogged down in the endless cycle of meetings, deadlines, and to-do lists, but at ABDA Design we believe in the importance of our team taking time out to focus on creativity. Our annual Creativity Days aim to recharge batteries, enhance professional and personal growth and give staff the chance to explore new ideas, and think outside the box. Our senior designer, Michael Hall, took a day out with a difference at the end of last year. His journey on the Elizabeth Line has inspired us all.

Finding creativity through art and exploration

For Michael, art is a regular source of inspiration. Seeing artwork makes him feel most creative as it often exists beyond the constraints of practicality, budgets or client briefs. An artist is free to express what they want to. But when it came to planning his 2024 day out, Michael wanted to do something different and go somewhere new.

The Elizabeth Line has been open since 2022, but Michael doesn’t usually go on this route. For this day, he wanted to explore this journey, and the surrounding areas which are usually off his beaten track. As the Elizabeth Line is the newest, Michael also thought it would have a more modern design, and the surrounding areas would have been redeveloped to attract new cafes, restaurants and bars.

Highlights of the journey

Each stop on the Elizabeth Line offered its own creative spark, but a few stood out for Michael.

Paddington Station had the most development, including artwork, restaurants, bars, and an amphitheatre. Michael said it looks like a good place to go in the summer to enjoy alfresco dining on barges and boats. At this stop, he also loved seeing the art installation, Abundance by Adam Nathaniel Furman. This is a 50m long permanent sculpture in Paddington Central, commissioned by British Land as the centrepiece of the redevelopment of Sheldon Square.

Tottenham Court Road was another ‘stand out stop’ as it has a free-to-all immersive art experience called ‘Outernet.’ Directly off the station exit, it includes a four-storey high digital exhibition space—the largest in Europe—and an underground live music venue. Michael feels that if the gigs were in this digital room, it would be incredible, so is hoping it develops further into something like this.

Discovering the unexpected

Taking a different route through the city opened new ways of thinking. This trip made Michael see other forms of entertainment and gave ideas of how digital walls could be used for restaurants and bars to create an ever-changing futuristic backdrop. By stepping out of his usual routine, he gained fresh perspectives on technology, art and entertainment which he can bring into his own designs.

For those looking for new ways to inspire creativity, Michael believes you should do something different to the norm as he was surprised by what he could find. He would never have seen some of these places if he hadn’t opted to go on a completely different train route for the day.

Creativity days aren’t just a break from routine; they are an opportunity to think freely and innovate. Whether you’re inspired by art, new environments, or a change in perspective, dedicating time to yourself and your own creativity is vital. So next time you need new ideas, step out of your routine and see where the journey takes you.