Nicoll Russell Studios appointed to deliver Kelpies visitor centre
March 22 2012
The commission will entail creation of an internal public space within a 30m high Kelpie designed by sculptor Andy Scott, and an adjoining visitor pavilion.
Andy Baxter, a partner at Nicoll Russell Studios, said: “Winning this design competition against an international field is a superb accolade and we are delighted with the outcome. It reinforces the profile of our practice, continuing a string of success across the UK and we are looking forward to seeing the designs move from the drawing board into reality.”
Mike King, programme director for the Helix Project, said: “Nicoll Russell Studios’ designs are dynamic and engaging and showed a clear understanding of the requirements of the brief, set against the backdrop of the wider project objectives.
“The Helix is amongst the most exciting transformation programmes under way in the UK right now and one of our key aims is to create a unique multi-visitor experience that will firmly establish the project as a ‘must see’ destination on the national and international tourism map.”
The Helix Project consists of 300 hectares of underused land between Falkirk and Grangemouth composed of woodland, a lagoon and parkland all interconnected via canals, walkways and cyclepaths.
It is being funded by Falkirk Council, British Waterways, Central Scotland Forest Trust and the Big Lottery Fund.
Nicoll Russell won out after judges were swayed by their use of 'light, space and strength of visual elements'
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8 Comments
#1 Posted by Big Chantelle's maw on 23 Mar 2012 at 00:14 AM
Love these. I think they're spectacular and a very interesting way to combine an observational tower with a sculpture. Beautiful.
#2 Posted by Auntie Nairn on 23 Mar 2012 at 13:41 PM
And the fact that you can't see out of the sculture doesn't make the 'observational tower, in least bit redundant? No? Anybody?
#3 Posted by Trombe Wall on 23 Mar 2012 at 14:22 PM
I don't think they considered the design of the 'observational tower' furlong.
#4 Posted by Big Chantelle's maw on 23 Mar 2012 at 14:35 PM
@Auntie Nairn
You can see out of it. It's not a classic tower but a visitor attraction combining sculpture and an observation point.
You can see out of it. It's not a classic tower but a visitor attraction combining sculpture and an observation point.
#5 Posted by dirige on 23 Mar 2012 at 14:38 PM
There's going to be levers so that visitors can open the 'eyes' to see out. A similar setup is going to happen for the rear-end sculpture.
#6 Posted by Thurman Merman on 23 Mar 2012 at 23:57 PM
A visitors' centre for a million pounds? I hope you have a good fee.
#7 Posted by The Gob Father on 24 Mar 2012 at 00:01 AM
Where's the bed?
#8 Posted by The Bairn on 25 Mar 2012 at 20:54 PM
this is complete horse manure...only good for spreading on the roses...LMFAO...
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