B of the Bang: Difference between revisions
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==Construction== |
==Construction== |
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The sculpture takes the form of 180 hollow spikes radiating out of a central core. This core was constructed in [[Sheffield]] before being moved over the [[Pennines]].<ref>{{cite news | title = 'Bang' sculpture arrives in city | publisher = [[BBC News]] |
The sculpture takes the form of 180 hollow spikes radiating out of a central core. This core was constructed in [[Sheffield]] before being moved over the [[Pennines]].<ref>{{cite news | title = 'Bang' sculpture arrives in city | publisher = [[BBC News]] |
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| date = [[2004-06-13]] | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/manchester/3802753.stm | accessdate = 2007-04-21 }}</ref> Five of these spikes are anchored to the ground and provide |
| date = [[2004-06-13]] | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/manchester/3802753.stm | accessdate = 2007-04-21 }}</ref> Five of these spikes are anchored to the ground and provide support for the rest of the structure.<ref name="into place" /> The entire sculpture is tilted at an angle of 30 degrees to the vertical,<ref>{{cite news | last = Keller | first =Sinéad | title = A whole lot of B for the Bang | publisher = [[The Guardian]] | date = [[2005-01-12]] | url =http://arts.guardian.co.uk/news/story/0,,1388442,00.html | accessdate = 2007-04-21 }}</ref> partly over a nearby road. The structure is taller and leans at a greater angle than the [[Leaning Tower of Pisa]].<ref name="into place" /> The main part of the structure was put in place on [[August 5]] [[2004]], and work was completed on the sculpture shortly before its unveiling by Linford Christie on [[January 12]] [[2005]].<ref name="on display">{{cite news | title = 'Bang' sculpture goes on display | publisher = [[BBC News]] |
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| date = [[2005-01-12]] | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/manchester/4166517.stm | accessdate = 2007-04-21 }}</ref> |
| date = [[2005-01-12]] | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/manchester/4166517.stm | accessdate = 2007-04-21 }}</ref> |
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Shortly before completion, on [[January 6]] [[2005]], a tip section of one of the spikes fell from the structure prompting safety concerns. Initial investigations showed a poor weld was the probable cause, resulting in welds being replaced on 53 out of the 180 spikes.<ref>http://www.bofthebang.com/weblog/2005_01_01_archive.html#110546887472101026</ref> |
Shortly before completion, on [[January 6]] [[2005]], a tip section of one of the spikes fell from the structure, prompting safety concerns. Initial investigations showed a poor weld was the probable cause, resulting in welds being replaced on 53 out of the 180 spikes.<ref>http://www.bofthebang.com/weblog/2005_01_01_archive.html#110546887472101026</ref> To date a safety fence remains around the sculpture, and doubts about its long-term future have been expressed.<ref>{{cite news | last = Keegan | first =Mike | title = B of the bye-bye for sculpture? | publisher = [[Manchester Evening News]] |
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| date = [[2007-01-02]] | url = http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/s/231/231990_b_of_the_byebye_for_sculpture.html | accessdate = 2007-04-21 }}</ref> It is notable however, that during the unusually strong and prolonged winds of January 2007<ref>{{cite news | title = Five people killed in bad weather | date = [[2007-01-18]] | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/6274657.stm | publisher = [[BBC News]] }}</ref>, no additional damage was evident to the |
| date = [[2007-01-02]] | url = http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/s/231/231990_b_of_the_byebye_for_sculpture.html | accessdate = 2007-04-21 }}</ref> A total of nine spikes are currently absent from ''B of the Bang'' as they undergo testing, including the three longest, which are currently resting beside the sculpture. |
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It is notable however, that during the unusually strong and prolonged winds of January 2007<ref>{{cite news | title = Five people killed in bad weather | date = [[2007-01-18]] | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/6274657.stm | publisher = [[BBC News]] }}</ref>, no additional damage was evident to the ''B of the Bang''. Concerns surrounding elements of the sculpture moving in light winds are largely groundless, as it is this movement that helps it to withstand strong forces. This was underlined by the designer in the final days of its construction: |
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<blockquote>"The whole thing is going to move, even when the wind blows gently. It will be swaying around.<ref>{{cite news | title = It cost £1.4m - but it's going to go rusty | date = [[2004-08-06]] | url = http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/s/126/126422_it_cost_14m__but_its_going_to_go_rusty.html | publisher = [[Manchester Evening News]] | accessdate = 2007-05-04 }}</ref>"</blockquote> |
<blockquote>"The whole thing is going to move, even when the wind blows gently. It will be swaying around.<ref>{{cite news | title = It cost £1.4m - but it's going to go rusty | date = [[2004-08-06]] | url = http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/s/126/126422_it_cost_14m__but_its_going_to_go_rusty.html | publisher = [[Manchester Evening News]] | accessdate = 2007-05-04 }}</ref>"</blockquote> |
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Revision as of 11:02, 17 July 2007
B of the Bang is a sculpture designed by Thomas Heatherwick erected in Manchester, England.[1] The structure is 80 metres tall and is the tallest self-supporting sculpture in the United Kingdom. It was constructed close to the City of Manchester Stadium to commemorate the success of the 2002 Commonwealth Games.[2]
The sculpture takes its name from a quotation of British sprinter Linford Christie in which he said that he started his races not merely at the 'bang' of the starting pistol, but at 'The B of the Bang'.[3]
Construction
The sculpture takes the form of 180 hollow spikes radiating out of a central core. This core was constructed in Sheffield before being moved over the Pennines.[4] Five of these spikes are anchored to the ground and provide support for the rest of the structure.[3] The entire sculpture is tilted at an angle of 30 degrees to the vertical,[5] partly over a nearby road. The structure is taller and leans at a greater angle than the Leaning Tower of Pisa.[3] The main part of the structure was put in place on August 5 2004, and work was completed on the sculpture shortly before its unveiling by Linford Christie on January 12 2005.[1]
Shortly before completion, on January 6 2005, a tip section of one of the spikes fell from the structure, prompting safety concerns. Initial investigations showed a poor weld was the probable cause, resulting in welds being replaced on 53 out of the 180 spikes.[6] To date a safety fence remains around the sculpture, and doubts about its long-term future have been expressed.[7] A total of nine spikes are currently absent from B of the Bang as they undergo testing, including the three longest, which are currently resting beside the sculpture.
It is notable however, that during the unusually strong and prolonged winds of January 2007[8], no additional damage was evident to the B of the Bang. Concerns surrounding elements of the sculpture moving in light winds are largely groundless, as it is this movement that helps it to withstand strong forces. This was underlined by the designer in the final days of its construction:
"The whole thing is going to move, even when the wind blows gently. It will be swaying around.[9]"
Its completion was delayed by some months due to an unusually wet and windy autumn. These delays and increasing costs led the sculpture to be dubbed The G of the Bang.[citation needed] Locals have also christened the structure KerPlunk after the popular children's game from the 1970s.[citation needed]
References
- ^ a b "'Bang' sculpture goes on display". BBC News. 2005-01-12. Retrieved 2007-04-21.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Plans for tallest sculpture approved". BBC News. 2003-01-24. Retrieved 2007-04-21.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ a b c
"'Bang' sculpture put into place". BBC News. 2004-08-05. Retrieved 2007-04-21.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "'Bang' sculpture arrives in city". BBC News. 2004-06-13. Retrieved 2007-04-21.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Keller, Sinéad (2005-01-12). "A whole lot of B for the Bang". The Guardian. Retrieved 2007-04-21.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ http://www.bofthebang.com/weblog/2005_01_01_archive.html#110546887472101026
- ^ Keegan, Mike (2007-01-02). "B of the bye-bye for sculpture?". Manchester Evening News. Retrieved 2007-04-21.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Five people killed in bad weather". BBC News. 2007-01-18.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "It cost £1.4m - but it's going to go rusty". Manchester Evening News. 2004-08-06. Retrieved 2007-05-04.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help)