The Spike
- This topic has 979 replies, 111 voices, and was last updated 17 years, 1 month ago by
.
- Posts
Dear oh dear, at least for once the punters are correct and are making perceptive comments.
It would be so much better just shot-peened down to the ground.
And as its the base section, we’re stuck with the bloody thing now for the next 120 years.
Why was this pattern not included for the overall spike. This approach of using an “interference” pattern removes the ovious inconsistencies of material and joints over large distances. Also what and earth does it represent?
Well – maybe our capital’s grime will finally pay off, and a nice thick layer of crud will be smeared over the pattern in no time. Maybe a collage of Abra, Empty Pockets and Micky D’s wrappers???
Oh and don’t forget Supermacs, Burger King & Mc Donalds.
I agree about the inconsistency in the presence of the pattern. Whereas the helix would have been far superior, it does’nt make any sense to have any pattern on the sculpture.
Whats the point in having a mere 10 metres out of 120 adorned?
It looks utterly ludicrous from a distance – in relation to the scale of the Spire its a silly folly at it’s base that abruptly & crudly stops in a fashion that blatently destroys the whole vertical emphasis of the Spire.On walking towards the Spikey Thing last night, I noticed that the black sacks had been removed from the base and there was a layer of what looked like translucent frosted fasson underneath, which appeared to be torn and scratched in areas. That was until I noticed the highly reflective bits and realised it was an intentional feature. I then treid to figure out what the graphic represented. ? . Without spending much time on it I headed off to go about my business. As it is, the composition is just poor. they have missed so many opportunities in building this monument. I believe this is to do with political correctness, they are afraid to make any kind of statement, hence the non design of the thing. Apart from the obvious it is a thouroughly asexual non entity.
Sorry but am I confused.
Looking at the pictures, are those black marks, the leftovers from the plastic or is that the design?It looks like the base section had a mirrored effect to the whole thing, but somebody peeled most of it off and we were left with a few mangy bits stuck to the base.
A blind, drunk, child could have done better – it spoils the whole thing
I’ll preface my comments by saying that I have not actually seen the unveiled spike in person, only though pics in this forum. i do think that the tonal difference between the base section and the rest looks odd but I’ll reserve final judgement until actually seen.
I am surprised at some of the comments above which in some cases border on the hysterical. Should the design-decoration or whatever you want to call it, not be considered in terms of the fully completed project? As I understand it the paving section at the base is yet to be completed.
As a general comment, why should the pattern be geometric? Why can it not be “organic” to contrast with the strong vertical emphasis the spike clearly has. Spirals and such like smack of dodgy celtic jewellery.
Oh of course, how could I forget the exquisite concrete slabs. Sure they’ll change the perspective entirely!
I know yes, the concrete is only temporary and yes, granite will be laid, but nothing, nothing can change this part of the project which has gone horribly wrong.
It is essential that you see it in ‘real life’ to see how proposterous it is in relation to the overall sculpture.
I brought a friend to see it today and all he could do was laugh and laugh and laugh.
WHAT! Thats it?! What happened to it? Why does it stop so suddenly? What the hell is that supposed to represent?! And you say that change in colour is a deliberate feature?! It just looks manky! That ‘pattern’ ruins the whole thing! Auggh its terrible now!
Many unrepeatable remarks were also audible from passers-by (although thats hardly a first)
The shiney highly reflective pattern looks quite attractive I think…..but I suppose it is a case of having to like it.
I thought the pattern was to be Celtic in style.
Please will they ever finish the project by installing the lights and giving the whole thing a good clean. Pity the did’nt shot peen the whole thing and have that mirror effect over its whole surface….would be blinding on a sunny day.Well, I’m beginning to really like the design. I admit it’s a million miles away from what I, and by the sounds of it, most people here expected. But I have to say I’m relieved its not some predictable geometrical or spirally Celtic design – that would have been ultimately disappointing and maybe contradictory to the idea that it has no historical references. I think it’s a great idea how they got the design and I find that as I am opening my mind, I am finding it more pleasing to the eye every day.
Saw the spike for the first time last week from the DART at Connolly station looking down Talbot street and I like the way it stands there, its size is perfect in relation to its surroundings.
Has anyone got any photos of the newly unveiled base designs please.
The next time I’m back I know where I’m going shopping, it’s a real buzz checking the thing out after you step out of the shops, is O’Connell street the center of Dublin once again or what ???
I think they should have left the pattern off it. It’s like designing a wonderful toaster only to be told that in order to sell it you need to stick a “sheaf of wheat” motiff on the side to sell it, because Joe Public likes Sheaves of wheat. The form is beautiful all by itself- the whole notion of engraving and guiding is pre industrial revolution.
I am from Germany and as I lived formerly in Dublin I am interested in the transformation of O’Connel St. Could you tell me if the Spire is already completed or are there still works going on? What about the patterns on the surface, are they still there? And what about the works on O’Connel St., what is going on there at the moment?
Thanks a lot for your answers, J.I never cease to be amazed by these types of mails! There are 52 glorious pages on this thread. Why not just read back!!!
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
