The Star of Caledonia | 55M

[djmaxliving]

The Star of Caledonia

The Star of Caledonia is approximately 55 metres in height and 40 metres in diameter, offering commanding views to passengers on
the motorway. During daylight hours spiraling images of light will carry the eye forward to create a vision of light arcing into the sky. In
the evening passengers crossing the border will encounter the shining, jewel-encrusted Star of Caledonia as it glistens a welcoming to
nighttime travelers.


The structure’s form integrates with the land, its playful curves rotating with the landscape to form edges and contours. A key element of
this design is the large private area between the centre cone form and the sweeping arm of the radial pathway. Here, at ground level,
sounds of the motorway are cut out. Within this sanctuary one can quietly contemplate the soaring forms of the Gretna landmark and
focus on the powers of the land and the sculpture coming out of it.
From here one can look into the heart of the Landmark, trace its walkways and see how the lines of ramping become flying arcs in the
sky and the energy of the raised undulating land is transformed into kinetic art.


Landscape transforms into the tectonic as the landforms spiral from the Northern tip of the site and circular arcs become extensions
of the contours of the land. Along the way paths join the climbing elevations: near the summit these footpaths come together in a
gathering of energy, turning a tighter radius, heading towards the summit. At the top, a shallow crater brings the visitor into the centre.
From here the Solway sparkles and around the summit one of the curves sets a horizontal datum—a new level and vantage point to
explore views from.

The trajectory of the lines and curves presents a form that is, altogether, neither curve nor line. The curves are intercepted at right
angles by lines that figuratively scatter kinetic energy into the air. Spokes serve to ‘filter’ the form to the eye. The Solway is ahead. The
sun above. Within this context, the Gretna landmark presents an inspiring view that dares to be different, challenging, surprising and
poetic all in equal measure.

http://www.gretnalandmark.com/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotlan...tland-13992689

[Pious Fraud]

The Star of Caledonia

'In the evening passengers crossing the border will encounter the shining, jewel-encrusted Star of Caledonia as it glistens a welcoming to
nighttime travelers.'

[NorthLimitation]

I could imagine this looking fantastic at night, but perhaps a little flat during the day.

[Boards]

Junk.

[djmaxliving]

The other bid was good but this is different, one of a kind. The cost is only £2m which i think is decent and should be completed by 2014.



Runner up.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/bsp/h..._11_gretna.pdf

[R.K.Teck]

So it's the same height as B of the Bang in Manchester, and more than twice the height of the angel of the North.

I personally like seeing these interesting sculptures by roadsides, the UK has a few good ones, the aforementioned Angel, the Cumbernauld Arria figure.

[Ahhhh]

Personally I'm just waiting for the chorus of disapproval....

Waste of money, should have been spent on a school or hospital...
SNP claiming independence by stealth...

[Hendycfc]

Could someone compare this to something else to see what the size could be like?

[gothicform]

i was hoping for a big statue of melvin gibbons as braveheart which spews drunken anti semitic abuse every so often or shout FREEEEEEEEDDDDDDDDDDDOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMMM

failing that this one isn't bad. reminds me a bit of b of the bang. let's hope it lasts longer. anyone know if they are going to be able to perform weddings under it? it would make sense given the location.

[Ultima]

Originally Posted by Hendycfc

Could someone compare this to something else to see what the size could be like?

EDIT: 80 feet is about 2 and a half double-decker buses tall.

[Hendycfc]

Originally Posted by Ultima

EDIT: 80 feet is about 2 and a half double-decker buses tall.

80 ft is a bit random

[NorthLimitation]

^ Is it?

[Weegie38]

Originally Posted by Hendycfc

80 ft is a bit random

Presumably Ultima meant 180 ft (54.9m - the sculpture is going to be 55m tall), which is roughly 12 double decker buses tall.

[Hendycfc]

I don't get it... Is it going to be 12 double decker buses high or below 2 double deckers? Is 80 ft equal to 55 metres?

[Ultima]

Originally Posted by Hendycfc

I don't get it... Is it going to be 12 double decker buses high or below 2 double deckers? Is 80 ft equal to 55 metres?

HAH! Oh dear! No! 80 feet is most certainly not equivalent to 55 metres! I completely messed up on that one - must stop posting from the cavernous wine cellar beneath my vast study.

[R.K.Teck]

180ft = 54.86m

ie, Star of Caledonia is 12 double decker buses high.

[Hendycfc]

Originally Posted by Ultima

HAH! Oh dear! No! 80 feet is most certainly not equivalent to 55 metres! I completely messed up on that one - must stop posting from the cavernous wine cellar beneath my vast study.

Tis gave me a giggle.

[Hendycfc]

Originally Posted by R.K.Teck

180ft = 54.86m

ie, Star of Caledonia is 12 double decker buses high.

Thanks. Wow! That's hugeeeee

[Pious Fraud]

Star of Caledonia landmark on Scotland-England border seeks approval

BBC News 21st February 2013

Planning officials are recommending approval for the Star of Caledonia public artwork, which would mark the Scotland-England border at Gretna.

Dumfries and Galloway Council will meet next week to decide the project's fate.

No objections have been lodged to the scheme, designed by Cecil Balmond, which will cost more than £4m.

A report to the council says the aim of the landmark is to turn crossing the border into a "memorable experience" while also raising the area's profile.

Mr Balmond's design was selected as the preferred option for the site in July 2011.

Last year Creative Scotland awarded the project development funding in order to work up a bid for £1m support.

A report to Dumfries and Galloway Council describes it as an "unusual application" as the intention of the sculpture is to be "prominent in the landscape".

"The site has been specifically selected as an important gateway to Scotland, by both road and rail, and as such, is considered a suitable location for a focal feature," it added.

The proposed design stands approximately about 130ft (40m) high, which is twice as tall as the Angel of the North near Gateshead.

It is also significantly higher than the Kelpies public artwork being built between Falkirk and Grangemouth.

It will be lit by LEDs at the tips of the structure, but the council has asked for more detail on how much light they will emit as a condition of any approval.

BBC

[bestbud]

I think I quite like this "thing". Have to agree with RKT, these sculptures provide a bit of distraction and intrigue on long journeys. Bring it on.