Construction of a 14m high wind-powered Flower on the banks of the River Mersey.
The Widnes Future Flower rests on a reinforced in-situ concrete base, it has 120 metallic petals that flutter in the wind and become illuminated by 60 low-powered LEDs in various shades of red, with their intensity varying depending on the wind’s strength and direction.
The contract was logistically challenging with the only access to the site through Fiddler’s Ferry Power Station and along a 900m canal tow path, which was in constant use by members of the public. Access for future maintenance has been provided using an ACO Ecoblock system.
The art installation designed by architects Tonkin Liu and fabricated by Mike Smith Studio was commissioned following an international competition held in 2007.
The Widnes Future Flower forms part of the ongoing NWDA funded Widnes Waterfront Regeneration Programme.
Image © Fritz Fitton – www.designstorm.net