Upvote:7
The structures are referred to as wind baffles, designed to reduce the speed of the wind. Wind resistance or deflection devices are found in both the natural and built environment, such as in avalance zones and on and around buildings.
Similar to Leeds, the Steel Galleria Trees in downtown Calgary, Alberta, Canada were installed in 2000 (open stock photo):
And another example, the open-air opera house in Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA (design and image by DRadheshwar Architect):