Gretna Border Crossing

[peterco]

This is coming to Gretna,

_53520127_gretnastar.jpg

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.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotlan...tland-13992689

I think it looks puuurwety!!

Reminds me of a thistle

[timwilky]

Who is paying for it? does it serve a purpose?

[dizzyblonde]

I suppose its a bit like that pointless Angel of the North thing.

[JamesMio]

Originally Posted by timwilky

Who is paying for it?

Us.

Originally Posted by timwilky

Does it serve a purpose?

No.

[Bibio]

Originally Posted by timwilky

Who is paying for it? does it serve a purpose?

the public and its purpose is art.

Originally Posted by dizzyblonde

I suppose its a bit like that pointless Angel of the North thing.

i actually like that.

[MisterTommyH]

It's better than what we've got:
http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/188792

Why does it always have to go back to money??? Sigh!!
Can we not just have something other than a 'welcome to blah' sign. Noone queries them or how much they cost to replace.

[dizzyblonde]

wot like this??

hehehehehe - like that