A major new landmark, curated by Futurecity, has been unveiled at Greenwich Peninsula. Standing at 49m high, Conrad Shawcross RA’s The Optic Cloak reimagines the flue tower of the district’s new Low Carbon Energy Centre as an architectural intervention. It was commissioned as part of a cultural strategy for the district, which is already home to an array of high-profile architectural and sculptural forms. Shawcross’ largest public commission to date, The Optic Cloak joins Sir Antony Gormley’s Quantum Cloud, and Richard Wilson’s A Slice of Reality, making it the third public intervention by a Royal Academician on the Peninsula.
“We are privileged to have played a key role in the pioneering decision by the developers of Greenwich Peninsula, Knight Dragon, to put their faith behind such an ambitious project. In line with our practice of reimagining architecture, infrastructure and landscape projects as major cultural interventions – and our belief in the power of creative neighbourhoods and districts – Futurecity originated and curated the project as part of a wider cultural vision for this rapidly evolving riverside district in South London.” – Mark Davy, Founder of Futurecity
Shawcross’ design for The Optic Cloak was informed by the lightness and efficiency of the Low Carbon Energy Centre of which it is part. Constructed of steel cladding and perforated aluminium panels, it integrates vivid, sculptural components into what is, at heart a functional purpose – a built structure, delivering energy to 15,000 homes in the surrounding area. Shawcross explains that his desire to celebrate the commission’s function, led him to become interested in the history of camouflage. “I was intrigued by its seemingly paradoxical nature – often it makes the object or animal it’s disguising more visually arresting. I was particularly interested in a type of Maritime Camouflage called ‘Dazzle Camo’ which was used on ships during the First World War, as well as in Cubism and Op Art. The idea is to break up the surface of the object, creating false perspectives and vanishing points.”
Visible from land, sea and air, The Optic Cloak wraps the energy centre’s flue tower in a series of triangular panels, which create shifting compositions when looked at from different angles. The dynamism of the structure is enhanced by the changing light of day. Facing east and west, in the daytime, the main surfaces of the sculpture filter sunlight, enhancing both the form and the visual effect of the Moiré pattern. At night, the structure is lit from within. The effect is a constantly evolving, shimmering membrane, which echoes the organic quality of the power produced by the energy centre.
Heralded by Apollo magazine as a “triumph of engineering”, the reach of Shawcross’ new cultural icon now extends into central London. Last week, Monolith (Optic) – a 6m version of The Optic Cloak – was selected by Clare Lilley, Director of Programme at Yorkshire Sculpture Park as one of 19 sculptures to go on display in the Frieze Sculpture Park 2016. It will remain on view in Regent’s Park until 8 January 2017.
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