Tower of Dreams and Desires
Tower of Dreams and Desires (German: Turm der Träume und Sehnsüchte)
in Trier, Germany, is a strange looking huge artwork, shaped like a covered open
ended stairway, which leads to viewing platforms at three different elevations in three different
directions.
The rust coloured slanted tower, popularly known as the
Luxembourg Tower is a friendship gift from the city of Luxembourg to
their neighbouring city of Trier. Designed by the renowned architect François Valentiny
it was installed on the occasion of the 2004 National Garden Festival and is
made of rust coloured Corten Steel.
The 19 metres high tower stands on a 5
metres high man made mound. The stairs are 2.5 metres wide and 51 steps lead to
the uppermost cantilevered platform which opens in the direction of Luxembourg,
while the other two lower platforms have in their line of sight, major European
cities like Paris, Lisbon, Belfast, Warsaw and Athens etc.
It is difficult for me to truly explain the nature of the art work, however in
the words of Web site
of Hermann & Valentiny;
"A landmark,
more sculpture than architecture, more artwork than building. And an audacious
thing, a contemporary version of the towers built by families in San Gimignano.
...... It is not just a symbol without a specific function; one can climb it and
it offers views far into the distance. .......Those who climb it engage in a
kind of pilgrimage, a procession to the gods. And become him or herself a god,
who lets his gaze roam across a work that is both: well made and wayward."
Image Source: Google Earth Screenshot of 3D Warehouse Sketchup by tbr
Image from Wikimedia Commons is by Hvplux
Image from Flickr is by langtimoalex
Image from Flickr is by Trier Daily Photo
Image from Flickr is by c.g.photo
Image from Flickr is by 55Laney69
View location in Google Earth / Google Maps
Source of info:
- perspektive-petrisberg.de (In German) (English Translation)
- infosteel.be (In German) (English Translation)
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